Pakistan’s lead bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, tried to dominate India’s openers in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash in Dubai but struggled to make a major impact. Shaheen bowled 3.5 overs for 40 runs without taking a wicket, while Rauf managed only two wickets after India had already taken control of the game.
Both pacers aimed to unsettle India’s Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma during the 172-run chase. However, one heated exchange stood out in the fifth over.
On-Field Scuffle
Rauf, early in his spell, exchanged words with Abhishek Sharma on the second and third balls of the over. Abhishek then hit a forward-press pull shot off Rauf to end the over and shot a fierce look toward him. As Abhishek moved to communicate with his partner at the non-striker’s end, he confronted Rauf verbally. Pakistan responded, and both players came face-to-face before the on-field umpires intervened. Broadcasters cut to a commercial as the last ball of the over was bowled.
A new video that surfaced a few days later shows the scuffle from another angle. Rauf walked back, while India’s substitute fielders, Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana, entered the ground carrying drinks. Rinku pulled Gill away from the tense situation. Meanwhile, the umpire spoke to Pakistan captain Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi, as Rauf returned to collect his cap.
Full lafda live...
— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) September 23, 2025
Haris Rauf's lafda with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill live...
Piche se humare 2 bande bhi aa gye thee Rinku Singh or Harshit Rana...
Rinku bhai ne matter sambhal liya. pic.twitter.com/eE8KaJDZNc
India’s Response on the Field
Abhishek Sharma batted aggressively, scoring 74 off 39 balls, sharing a 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill. India chased down the target of 172 with six wickets to spare. Abhishek explained his approach in the post-match presentation, “Today it was very simple, the way they (Pakistan players) were coming at us for no reason, I didn't like it at all and this is the only way (his aggressive batting) I could give medicine to them,” he said.
He also praised his partnership with Gill, a teammate he has known since age-group cricket, “We have been playing since school days, we enjoy each other's company, we thought we would do it and today was the day. The way he was giving it back, I really enjoyed it."
Abhishek credited his performance to team support, saying, “It's (the way he bats) because the team supports me. That's the intent I show and I'm practicing really hard and if it's my day, I'm gonna win it for my team."
Looking Ahead
Abhishek currently leads the run-scoring charts in Asia Cup 2025. India will aim to continue his fine form in their next Super Four match against Bangladesh on Wednesday.
For Pakistan, Rauf and his teammates will look to bounce back in their must-win game against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.