Surya analyses Abhishek-Gill’s fiery show in felling Pakistan

Back in 2018, at the Under-19 World Cup semifinal, Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi and his teammates had a taunt ready for Shubman Gill: “our bowling isn’t Bangladesh.”

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Gill’s reply was a commanding hundred, sealed with a last-ball six and an animated celebration aimed squarely at Pakistan. His close friend Abhishek Sharma delivered the final word after the victory: “Our batting isn’t Pakistan either.”

Seven years later in Dubai, echoes of that teenage defiance resurfaced on Sunday. Gill and Abhishek, now teaming up in international cricket, tore into Afridi once again, this time in the Asia Cup Super 4 clash. Afridi's two wicketless overs went for 24, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub looked equally blunt against the duo's controlled aggression. India ransacked 69 in the powerplay, and by the time Gill departed with the scoreboard already past 100 in 10 overs, Abhishek carried on, raising a 24-ball fifty and blowing a kiss to the crowd in celebration.