Did Farhan Signal AK-47 While Gill & Abhishek Launched BrahMos Against Pakistan?
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Synopsis
In a riveting Asia Cup Super Four clash, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria shares his thoughts on the match where India's openers showcased an aggressive batting style, leaving Pakistan's bowlers struggling. As India chalks up an impressive win, the post-match analysis reveals deeper insights into team dynamics and strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma played a crucial role with his explosive batting performance.
- Shubman Gill supported well, forming a strong partnership.
- Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian openers.
- Criticism of Pakistan's scapegoating tendencies emerged post-match.
- India's victory sets a robust tone for their Super Four campaign.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria expressed his candid thoughts on Pakistan's defeat to India during the Super Four match of the ongoing Asia Cup. He remarked that the Indian openers rendered Pakistan's bowlers ineffective with their aggressive batting performance.
Batting first, Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 58 runs, while Faheem Ashraf contributed a quickfire 20 off just eight balls, helping Pakistan to a total of 171/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Abhishek Sharma was the star of the show, scoring a rapid 74 off 39 balls, which included six fours and five sixes. Along with Shubman Gill, who scored 47 off 28, they formed a formidable partnership, adding 105 runs within the first 10 overs, leading India to a comfortable six-wicket victory and a strong beginning to their Super Four campaign.
“Sahibzada Farhan may have signaled an AK-47, but Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma retaliated with a BrahMos of their own — and Sharma even followed it up with a flying kiss. That’s how you perform. The counterattack from the Indian openers was so potent that it left the Pakistani players bewildered. There’s ‘dhulai’ and then there’s ‘maha dhulai’. This match was clearly the latter,” Kaneria told IANS on Monday.
He also commented, “With players like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order, even a target of 200 can seem small on such a pitch. Both are exceptional talents.”
Kaneria further criticized Pakistan's habit of seeking scapegoats after losses, specifically mentioning Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal.
Zaman had started his innings well, hitting Bumrah for a boundary and then driving him for another. However, his innings came to an end in the third over when he edged a slower delivery from Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, with the third umpire confirming the out decision.
“Now, Pakistan will look for another scapegoat, and they’ve zeroed in on Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal. He’ll protest, claiming he wasn’t out, but it was a clear catch by Sanju Samson — the gloves were evidently beneath the ball. Yet, Pakistan will likely lament about the ‘benefit of the doubt’. Fakhar will cling to this rationale,” Kaneria noted.
India is set to face Bangladesh next on Thursday, while Pakistan will seek to recover against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Point of View
It's evident that the match showcased India's batting prowess, marking a significant moment in the Asia Cup. The intensity of the game and the contrasting strategies of both teams highlight the competitive spirit of international cricket. While Pakistan must address its shortcomings, India’s approach is commendable and sets the tone for future matches. Our focus remains steadfast on the evolving dynamics of the tournament.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match between India and Pakistan?
India won the match by six wickets, chasing down Pakistan's total of 171 runs.
Who was the top scorer for Pakistan in the match?
Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan with 58 runs.
What did Danish Kaneria say about the Indian openers?
Kaneria praised the Indian openers, stating their aggressive batting left the Pakistani bowlers bewildered.
When is India's next match in the Asia Cup?
India will face Bangladesh on Thursday.
What criticisms did Kaneria have regarding Pakistan's performance?
He criticized Pakistan's tendency to search for scapegoats after defeats, particularly pointing out Fakhar Zaman's dismissal.
