Abhishek Sharma’s blazing 75 helps India post 168/6 vs Bangladesh in Asia Cup Super 4, but Mustafizur, Kuldeep and Varun keep pressure. Full scorecard & analysis.
Why India vs Bangladesh mattered
The India vs Bangladesh showdown in the Super 4 stage of the 2025 Asia Cup was a critical fixture. India aimed to assert dominance and cement their place in the final, while Bangladesh sought to punch above their weight and challenge their South Asian neighbour. The match highlighted power batting, spin mastery, and emerging rivalries in T20 cricket.
Additionally:
- India’s batting lineup, led by Abhishek Sharma, was under expectation to post a strong total.
- Bangladesh’s bowling unit, including Mustafizur Rahman and Varun Chakaravarthy, aimed to restrict that total and potentially upend India’s dominance.
- The result could influence which teams reach the final, and net run rate comparisons matter in this format.
Ban vs Ind summary & scorecard snapshot
India 1st innings: 168/6 in 20 overs
Bangladesh 2nd innings (live): ~110/6 in 15.4 overs when tempering run chase. (As of updates)
Top performances:
- Abhishek Sharma (India): His aggressive 75 gave India momentum.
- Saif Hassan (Bangladesh): Battled under pressure, hitting a 50+ to keep Bangladesh fighting.
- Kuldeep Yadav / Varun Chakaravarthy / Axar Patel (India): Took key wickets in the mid-innings to prevent Bangladesh from dominating the chase.
- Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): Created history by reaching 150 wickets in T20Is during the contest.
Narrative of Ind vs Ban: key phases & turning moments
India’s innings — a blazing start and middle-order wobble
India started strongly, with openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma laying a solid foundation. However, after Gill fell, the innings wobbled — a bold promotion of Shivam Dube did not pay off, and the middle order folded under disciplined Bangladesh spin. Abhishek Sharma’s 75 was the backbone, and contributions from Hardik Pandya (38) steadied the tail.
Bangladesh’s chase — fight, but faltering
While chasing, Bangladesh kept in touch thanks to Saif Hassan’s fighting half-century. But India’s bowling attack, especially Kuldeep and Varun, struck at regular intervals to stymie partnerships and arrest momentum. As of ~15.4 overs, Bangladesh were ~110/6 chasing 168, a tall ask.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Player spotlight & breakthroughs
Abhishek Sharma
His 75 was blazing, demonstrating that when India gives him license, he can deliver. He set the tone and was integral to India crossing 160. (The Indian Express)
Mustafizur Rahman
He reached a historic milestone in this match — becoming Bangladesh’s record T20I wicket-taker and entering the 150-wickets club in T20Is. That came even as he bowled under pressure.
India’s spin trio
Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel were crucial in the middle overs, breaking partnerships and choking the run chase. Their variations and discipline under attack made the difference. (The Times of India)
Saif Hassan
A resilient innings under pressure, trying to hold the chase together for Bangladesh. His ability to take the attack helped keep them in the game. (Hindustan Times)
Rivalry & historical context
The India–Bangladesh cricket rivalry (sometimes called the “Asian Clasico” or Padma-Ganga Derby) is relatively young but heated. India has dominated across formats, especially Test and ODI, but in T20s and Asia Cups, Bangladesh has occasionally produced surprises. (Wikipedia)
Matches like this, where Bangladesh challenges with bowling or middle-order resilience, are part of how the rivalry remains compelling. Bangladesh’s rising spin and pace attack, and India’s depth in batting, make each contest intriguing.
Tactical & coaching insights
- India’s planning: Promoting Dube was a gamble to accelerate scoring, but it backfired. Meanwhile, India demonstrated control by mixing spin and pace at strategic times.
- Bangladesh’s strategy: They sought to undercut India’s momentum by slowing down the game and taking key wickets. Their adjustments show maturity, but occasionally India’s depth proved too much.
- Team changes: Bangladesh made four changes, including replacing Litton Das due to injury, and appointed Jaker Ali as stand-in captain. (The Times of India)
Implications & what’s next
- India will feel confident heading toward a final or next stage if they maintain consistency and closing strength.
- Bangladesh, though likely out of the final if they lose, can take positives: Mustafizur’s record, the fight in the chase, and increasing their bench strength.
- The Asia Cup final berth hopes and net run rate scenarios are now in play — this match has ripple effects for who qualifies and how teams approach remaining fixtures.
Interesting stats & milestones
- Mustafizur Rahman reached 150 T20I wickets, becoming the fourth global player to hit that mark.
- Abhishek Sharma recorded one of the standout innings of the tournament with 75 in a tough setting. (The Indian Express)
- Bangladesh’s middle order showed fight, but ending ~110/6 chasing 168 reflects how rare it is to chase six-plus over par scores in this format.