DUBAI – India reinforced their status as tournament favourites with a commanding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 172, India got off to a flying start through opener Abhishek Sharma, who lit up the innings with a blistering 74 from just 39 balls, smashing six fours and five sixes. He was ably supported by Shubman Gill, who struck 47 off 28 deliveries with eight boundaries, as the pair piled on 105 runs for the opening wicket.

The strong platform allowed India to cruise through the remainder of the chase. Sanju Samson chipped in with 13, while Tilak Varma (26 not out) and Hardik Pandya (7 not out) guided the team home with 7 balls to spare, sealing victory in 18.5 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan had set a target of 172 after being put into bat. Opener Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a well-compiled 58, supported briefly by Saim Ayub (21). However, the middle order faltered, and it took late contributions from skipper Salman Agha (17), Mohammad Nawaz (21), and Faheem Ashraf (20) to push the total to a competitive score.

India’s bowlers kept Pakistan in check, with Shivam Dube claiming two wickets, while Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav picked up one apiece.

The win puts India in a strong position in the Super Four stage, while Pakistan’s hopes of progressing further have taken a significant blow.