**Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Clash Witnesses Unique Powerplay Record**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 22, 2025, 08:18 PM*
In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, India secured a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in their first Super 4 match of the T20 Asia Cup 2025. The win was largely thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 74 off just 39 balls, which helped India chase down Pakistan’s total of 171 runs.
### Powerplay Blitzkrieg Sets New Record
The match witnessed an explosive start from both teams’ batters during the powerplay overs. Their aggressive hitting scripted a new record for the highest powerplay scores against each other in T20 Internationals.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan posted 55/1 after six overs, narrowly breaking their previous best of 54/0 set in the 2012 Bengaluru encounter against India. However, the Indian openers went one better with a powerplay total of 69/0, marking India’s highest powerplay score versus Pakistan in T20Is. This also surpassed India’s previous best of 62/1 from the 2022 Asia Cup match in Dubai.
### Pakistan’s Challenging Total
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a competitive target scoring 171/5 in their 20 overs. Fakhar Zaman gave them a quick start with a nine-ball 15 before getting out. Following him, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub formed a solid partnership, taking the team to 55/1 by the end of the powerplay. Sahibzada was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a well-made 58 off 45 balls, the only half-century of the match for his side.
### India’s Successful Chase
India began their chase aggressively with Abhishek Sharma smashing a six off the very first ball. Alongside Shubman Gill, Abhishek led a dominant opening partnership, taking India to 69/0 in the powerplay. The duo added 105 runs for the opening wicket, laying a strong foundation for the chase.
Suryakumar Yadav’s team reached the target comfortably with seven balls to spare. Gill contributed a stylish 47 off 28 balls, including eight fours, complementing Abhishek’s assault perfectly.
### Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award. His 74 runs came off just 39 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, playing a crucial role in guiding India across the finish line.
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This remarkable match not only highlighted the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan but also showcased some breathtaking powerplay hitting — setting records that will be remembered in Asia Cup history.
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