Dubai, September 24, 2025: A blistering half-century by opener Abhishek Sharma helped India post a competitive total of 168/6 against Bangladesh in their ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Bangladesh’s stand-in skipper Jaker Ali, leading in place of the injured Litton Das, opted to field first after winning the toss — a decision that India’s top order quickly punished.
India’s in-form opening pair of Abhishek and Shubman Gill put on a flying 77-run stand inside seven overs. Gill smashed 29 off 19 balls with two fours and a six before Rishad Hossain broke through to give Bangladesh their first wicket.
Abhishek continued the assault, striking five sixes and six fours in a rapid 75 off 37 balls. He added brief partnerships with Shivam Dube (2) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (5) before being run out in the 12th over.
India then suffered a middle-order wobble, sliding to 129/5 in the 15th over, but Hardik Pandya steadied the innings. The all-rounder struck 38 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six, sharing a valuable 39-run stand with Axar Patel. Patel finished unbeaten on 10 from 15 deliveries.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain led the bowling with figures of 2/27 in three overs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mohammad Saifuddin picked up a wicket each.
India will now look to defend their total against a confident Bangladesh side that has enjoyed a strong run of form in recent matches.
