Abhishek-Gill salvo leave Pakistan GASPING for breath as their ‘fire and ice’ combination leaves Pak bowlers bloodied.
Abhishek-Gill ‘fire and ice’ combination leaves Pakistan clueless.
Abhishek Sharma had a bad start to the evening. He put down a chance at deep third to relieve Sahibzada Farhan three balls into India’s Super Four match versus Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. He also gave Farhan another life by tipping the ball over the long-on boundary in the eighth over, which was his chance for atonement. The outcome was a half-century off of 34 balls, which gave Pakistan the lead.
The start of India’s 172-run chase was Abhishek’s true chance to make amends after he had spent the remainder of the innings roving about the outfield, where he made a superb catch to get rid of Saim Ayub. A week ago today, Abhishek had launched India’s chase by charging at Shaheen Shah Afridi and smashing 10 off the first two balls.
Mohammad Haris was quick to play mind tricks this time, blocking Abhishek’s next charge by putting himself up against the stumps. Afridi, however, was not amenable to it. Afridi served up a sardonic bouncer as Haris returned to his normal location. Before Abhishek got inside the queue and hooked him for six, the idea appeared legitimate with a beautiful leg in place.
Abhishek was to forget the terrifying opening act as a batting exhibition got underway. Abhishek was clearly upset at missing a century that was within reach when he was eventually dismissed for 74 off 39 balls.
The Gill Contrast
That “something” was just as important as his powerplay salvo on the eve of the game. During an optional training session, he was assisting Shubman Gill, his best buddy, in finding his rhythm. Gill had been fired with the intention of attacking against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. A ripper of an inswinger cleaned him up two nights ago against Oman.
Abhishek was by Gill’s side when he struggled with timing, sometimes providing assistance and occasionally bowling specific deliveries when there were no other net bowlers around so that Gill could try different shots until he got the feel.
When Gill hit two fours off Saim Ayub’s first over on Sunday, he felt that almost instantly. But he didn’t really get going until he casually lofted Afridi over mid-off. Before long, there was a little bite. Tension was evident as words were exchanged.
Gill had no intention of keeping quiet. In response, he unleashed what might become his signature shot: a short-arm jab for four off Rauf. High speed, hard length—no issue. Rauf yelled “shot” and waved his fists aggressively at Abhishek as he turned around to face him and saw him punch the bat.
Back Story amid the fire
The fire also has significant historical undertones. Gill had been punctured by Afridi and his teammates during the 2018 Under-19 World Cup semifinal when they said, “Our bowling isn’t Bangladesh.” After hitting a final-ball six to reach three figures, Gill responded with a hundred and celebrated wildly, yelling at the Pakistani team. The stinger that day was supplied by Abhishek: “Our batting isn’t Pakistan either.”
Flashes of the fury and passion they displayed as youths were once again evident in Dubai seven years later. India was cruising at 105 for 1 in 10 overs when Gill fell. To add to the suffering, Abhishek continued to bat for a little while longer.
The dropped catches that had threatened to characterise Abhishek’s evening appeared far away by the conclusion. Rather, a statement victory was achieved by two friends who grew up encouraging one another to be their best selves and pursue their Indian dream together.
Their “fire and ice” was more than just a preview of a long-term opening performance.