• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Exceptional Skill Fearless Pakistan Stars Rave About Abhishek Sharma Shubman Gill

"Exceptional skill, fearless...": Pakistan stars rave about Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill

Akshita Patel

Pakistan former cricketera praise Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill [Source: @parthshay/X.com]Pakistan former cricketera praise Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill [Source: @parthshay/X.com]

India’s young openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill were the stars of India's crushing six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash. Their fearless stroke play and outstanding batting received lavish showers of praise from past Pakistan captains Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Chasing 172, Abhishek entered the fray all guns blazing, smashing a 74 off only 39 deliveries with six fours and five huge sixes. Gill, on the other hand, played with calm fluency, scoring 47 off 28 balls.

Misbah, Shoaib Malik in awe of Abhishek & Gill’s temperament

Together, they stitched a 105-run partnership inside 9 overs, leaving Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf clueless. India chased down the target comfortably in 18.5 overs, securing their second victory over Pakistan in just eight days.

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, talking on the Tapmad show, said he was particularly impressed by Abhishek’s temperament and how he took on the Pakistan pace attack with ease.

“The skill level is exceptional, and the temperament is impressive. Playing against Pakistan for the first time, there’s no pressure; he comes in as if he’s batting in the nets. When the ball lands in his zone, he effortlessly hits it out. He puts the main bowlers under pressure right from the start, and after that, the team can’t recover," Misbah said.

Shoaib Malik echoed the praise but for Shubman Gill. He called him a complete batter, highlighting the opener’s ability to rotate strike and adapt to conditions quickly.

“I thought Shubman Gill would remain not out… everything about him is high quality. He doesn’t just play on one side; he knows how to play all around the field. As soon as the conditions changed after six overs, he started rotating the strike,” Malik said.

Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill also had heated confrontations with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. That sledging incident fuelled them further to dominate the game and win it in style.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 future in limbo

After another crushing loss against India, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in a must-win game on September 23. Both sides lost their first Super Four contests and will have to win this game to continue their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive.

For Pakistan, their batting remains a concern. Moreover, Shaheen Afridi has gone wicketless against India in both games and is lacking the necessary consistency. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed have picked up wickets, but their economy rate is worrisome for Pakistan.