Dubai: India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a high-voltage Super Four clash, chasing down a target of 172 with seven balls remaining.
Pakistan, batting first, set up a competitive total of 171 for five in their 20 overs. Their innings was built on steady partnerships, with middle-order resilience ensuring the scoreboard kept moving despite tight spells from Indian bowlers. Though none of their batters managed to convert a start into a big knock, useful contributions pushed them past the 170 mark, giving their bowlers a chance to test India’s strong batting order.
In reply, India began aggressively. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill came out all guns blazing, dismantling the new ball attack. Abhishek led the charge with a blistering 74 off 39 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes, while Gill’s fluent 47 off 28 ensured the chase was well ahead of the asking rate.
The momentum dipped briefly when skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell for a duck. Sanju Samson added 13 from 17 balls before being dismissed, leaving the responsibility to the middle order. Hardik Pandya held one end calmly with an unbeaten seven, rotating strike and keeping India steady.
The final flourish came from Tilak Verma, who sealed the match in style with 30 runs from 19 deliveries, smashing two fours and two sixes. His fearless stroke play under pressure carried India to 174 for four in 18.5 overs, wrapping up the chase with ease.
The result gives India a crucial win in the Super Four stage, while Pakistan will rue missed opportunities with both bat and ball.
