DUBAI – Abhishek Sharma’s explosive half-century, backed by a clinical bowling display, powered India to a commanding 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The win not only confirmed India’s place in the tournament final but also ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of progressing further. Set 169 to win, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs, despite opener Saif Hassan’s valiant 69 off 51 balls which included five fours and five sixes. Saif shared a 42-run stand with Parvez Hossain Emon (21 off 19), but beyond them, no other batter could cross double figures against India’s relentless attack.
Kuldeep Yadav spun webs around Bangladesh’s middle order with figures of 3/18, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets each. Axar Patel and Tilak Varma chipped in with a wicket apiece to complete the demolition. Earlier, Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first backfired as India posted 168/6. The innings was built on Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 75 off 37 balls, decorated with six fours and five towering sixes. He dominated a fiery opening stand of 77 runs with Shubman Gill (29 off 19) inside the first seven overs.
Although India lost quick wickets after Abhishek’s run-out, Hardik Pandya (38 off 29) steadied the ship with a vital partnership of 39 runs alongside Axar Patel (10 not out) to guide India past the 160-mark. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain (2/27) was the standout bowler, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin bagged a wicket apiece. India, who have now secured their final berth, will still face Sri Lanka in their last Super Four fixture on Friday.
Scores in Brief
INDIA 168/6 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 75, Shubman Gill 29, Hardik Pandya 38; Rishad Hossain 2/27) beat BANGLADESH 127 all out in 19.3 overs (Saif Hassan 69, Parvez Hossain 21; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Bumrah 2/23, Chakravarthy 2/27) by 41 runs.
