"Didn't Like How They Came at Us": Abhishek Sharma on Pakistan's On-Field Aggression
The Indian opener says aggressive batting was the best reply to the Pakistan players’ needless provocation.
India secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 match on September 21, chasing down a 172-run target with ease, led by opener Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 74 off 39 balls. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw tensions flare as Abhishek criticised Pakistan players for their “needless belligerence”. His aggressive batting, alongside Shubman Gill’s composed contribution, formed a 105-run opening stand that set the tone for India’s dominant performance.
Abhishek, addressing the post-match presentation, expressed frustration at Pakistan’s confrontational approach, particularly from pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, with whom both he and Gill had on-field exchanges. “The way they were coming at us for no reason, I didn’t like it at all,” Abhishek said, noting that his aggressive 74 was his response. He credited his long-standing chemistry with Gill, forged through years of age-group cricket, for their seamless partnership. “We enjoy each other’s company, and today was our day,” he added, highlighting the team’s supportive environment that fuels his bold approach.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav praised the openers’ “fire and ice” dynamic while downplaying an uncharacteristically expensive spell from ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded over 10 runs per over. “He’s not a robot; he’ll have a bad day,” Suryakumar said, crediting all-rounder Shivam Dube for stabilising India’s bowling effort. Despite Pakistan’s strong start, scoring at over nine runs per over in the first 10 overs, India regrouped effectively after the drinks break, with Suryakumar noting the team’s composure and character in turning the game around.
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Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted India’s power play batting flipped the match. “They took the game away from us,” he said, reflecting on Pakistan’s failure to capitalise on their early momentum. Agha believed an additional 10-15 runs could have made their 172 more competitive, but India’s aggressive start proved decisive. The match, marked by high emotions and India’s clinical execution, further solidified their dominance in the tournament and over Pakistan, who now face pressure to regroup in the Asia Cup.
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