India marched into the Asia Cup final on Wednesday after registering a 41-run victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. Abhishek Sharma played a starring role, smashing 75 off just 37 balls to help India post 168 for six. Despite an early stumble after a strong start, the Indian middle order managed to steady the innings before spinners dismantled Bangladesh, bowling them out for 127.
The outcome knocked Sri Lanka out of the tournament, leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh to battle for the remaining final spot against India on Sunday. Abhishek’s blazing innings included six sixes and five fours before he was run out after a mix-up with skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated the win with a short post on social media, writing “Into the finals.”
Abhishek Sharma Shines With Explosive Knock
The young opener has been enjoying a sensational beginning to his T20I career, amassing 783 runs from 22 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 197.72. Speaking about his approach, Abhishek said, “I was just doing my job.” He added, “I have told before as well that I do not think much (while going in to bat) and go with the flow. If it is in my range, even if it is the first ball, I go for it.”
Into the finals! pic.twitter.com/5XGQ6Srook
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 24, 2025
Alongside Shubman Gill, who contributed 29 runs, Abhishek cautiously began the innings before both targeted spinner Nasum Ahmed, smashing 21 runs in his over. He brought up his half-century off just 25 balls, but wickets soon tumbled as Rishad Hossain dismissed Gill and Shivam Dube before also seeing Abhishek depart. Suryakumar Yadav added only five before India were reduced to 114 for four. Hardik Pandya’s composed 38 from 29 balls, laced with four fours and a six, guided India to a strong finish.
Bowlers Seal The Game For India
In Bangladesh’s chase, Jasprit Bumrah struck early to remove Tanzid Hasan for just one. Saif Hassan and Parvez Hossain Emon attempted to rebuild with a 42-run stand, but Kuldeep Yadav broke through by dismissing Parvez. Spinners dominated as Bangladesh’s innings unraveled despite Saif’s determined knock of 69, during which he survived four dropped catches. Kuldeep dismissed two batsmen in successive deliveries, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
Bumrah later ended Saif’s resistance, and Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs. Kuldeep finished with superb figures of 3 for 18, taking his tournament tally to 12 wickets in five matches. With regular captain Litton Das sidelined due to injury, Jaker Ali led the team and remained optimistic, stating, “We can take lots of things from this game. Let’s see what kind of combination we are going to go (in Thursday’s match) but we will give our best.”
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