India’s opener Abhishek Sharma didn’t mince words during the post-match interview after India’s nail-biting five-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Sharma, Player of the Tournament for his 314 runs at 200 strike rate, jokingly mentioned Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, crediting his aggressive attitude throughout the competition.
Abhishek Sharma Powerful Batting Throughout Asia Cup 2025
Abhishek Sharma led by example for India in all matches of the tournament with his attacking approach. “Spinners, fast bowlers, any of the premium fast bowlers as well…I had it in my mind that I had to go from the first ball. That is going to help me give impact to my team, and that is what happened,” Sharma said, referring to his intent against top Pakistani bowlers, including Afridi. His memorable six off Afridi’s very first delivery in the Super Four clash is still being celebrated as a tournament highlight.
No matter who is the bowler 💀
#AbhishekSharma nailed a premium fast bowler 😂🤣#AsiaCupFinal #AsiaCup2025 #TeamIndia #IndianCricket #INDvPAK#Navratri2025 #NavratriUtsav pic.twitter.com/IXeZGxbRUu
— R E D D Y (@Fanof_YSJReddy) September 28, 2025
Sharma reliably combined with vice-captain Shubman Gill, giving India scorching openings and setting the tone for wins in key games. His 314 runs in seven innings at a rate of 44.85 cemented his status as one of India’s most effective openers in T20 cricket.
Asia Cup 2025: Abhishek Sharma Being Awarded Player of the Tournament
For his steady performances and match-winning contribution, Sharma was conferred the Player of the Tournament award, and that came with a car as part of the reward. “Getting a car is always nice. Getting into this side after winning the World Cup was not an easy task for any opener. We had thought of playing our game and making a statement from the first ball itself, and that worked,” said Sharma. He attributed captain Suryakumar Yadav, the coaching team, and the positive team culture for supporting his fearless attitude.
Asia Cup 2025 Final Heroics and India’s Triumph
Although Sharma and Gill were sent back early during the final against Pakistan, Tilak Varma shepherded India’s pursuit with 69 not out. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube supported him with indispensable contributions, while Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel of Indian bowlers kept Pakistan to 146 all out. The combined effort enabled India to win its ninth Asia Cup title, another triumph in the Men in Blue’s rich T20 history.
Abhishek Sharma’s Increasing Influence
Abhishek Sharma’s showings at the Asia Cup 2025 not only solidified his position within the Indian T20I team but also demonstrated his capacity to overwhelm high-class opposition with confidence. His aggressive style, epitomized by his cheeky jibe at Shaheen Afridi, is a sign of a player maturing into one of India’s most promising openers in the world.
