Dubai, Sep 22 (NationPress) Opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a stunning performance with a score of 74 runs off just 39 balls, paving the way for India’s decisive six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Fours. This victory also kept India’s unbeaten streak alive in the tournament. Holding the Player of the Match trophy, Abhishek expressed that his aggressive batting was a direct response to the tension coming from the Pakistani side during their chase of 172 runs.

“Today was straightforward; I didn’t appreciate the way they approached us without any cause, which prompted me to take action. I aimed to contribute significantly to the team,” he shared during the post-match presentation.

Discussing his successful 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill, Abhishek remarked, “We’ve been playing together since our school days and enjoy each other’s presence. We believed we could achieve this, and today was our moment. I truly relished the way he responded on the field.”

Abhishek attributed his impressive performance to the positive environment within the Indian team. “When you see someone performing well, it’s due to the unwavering support from the team. That’s the intent I bring to the field, and I train rigorously. If it’s my day, I’ll ensure our team wins,” he added.

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the team's collective effort and composure, especially after a rocky start during the initial overs. “The players are stepping up in every match, making my role much easier. They displayed remarkable character and remained calm after the first ten overs of our bowling innings. After the break, I reminded them that the game was just beginning,” he commented.

He also expressed confidence in Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing that everyone has off days. “He’s human, and it’s normal to have a bad outing,” he noted. Additionally, he commended Shivam Dube for changing the game’s momentum and praised the opening pair’s synergy. “Dube rescued us from a challenging situation. Abhishek and Gill complement each other perfectly—it’s like fire and ice,” he added.

On the fielding front, where India dropped four catches, Suryakumar remarked, “Following the first innings, our fielding coach, T. Dilip, has communicated with all players who missed their chances today.”

Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha acknowledged that the game slipped during the Power-play and lamented missed chances. “We’re still seeking that perfect game but are making progress. It was a fantastic match, but we lost our grip during the Power-play,” he stated.

“Reflecting on our position after 10 overs, we could have scored 10-15 more runs. A score of 170-180 is considerable, but the way they batted during the Power-play was crucial. In T20 cricket, if bowlers are conceding runs, adjustments are essential,” he explained.

Despite the loss, Salman remains hopeful about Pakistan’s upcoming matches. “There are numerous positives to take away—the performances from Fakhar, Farhan, and Harry were commendable. We eagerly anticipate the next game against Sri Lanka.”