Pakistani legend Wasim Akram was in awe of Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill’s excellent flick for six in India’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE in Dubai on September 10.
The renowned cricketer from Pakistan has frequently expressed his admiration for India's young players. However, Wasim Akram's actions following his observation of Shubman Gill's batting during India's Asia Cup 2025 opening match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai were a little excessive, even by his usual standards.
The game was nearly in India’s pocket when Shubman Gill was given his chance to bat. Abhishek Sharma had hammered 10 runs in the opening over of India's innings after UAE had been knocked out for 57.
Shubman Gill got his chance on the last ball of the second over by Muhammad Rohid Khan. He walked a few paces in the direction of the bowler, as he had done when he hit the ball to the covers for a four on the third ball of the over. This time, he flicked the ball using his wrists over fine leg and deep into the stands for a six.
Akram, who was in the commentary box, could not keep calm. He exclaimed: "Look at that shot, look at that shot, unbelievable! In the stands. Just a flick of the wrist, an unbelievable shot.”
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India chased down the 58-run target in 4.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma made 30 in 16 balls, while Gill made 20* in 9 balls as India won the match by 9 wickets and 93 balls remaining. Kuldeep Yadav was named the Player of the Match, as he had taken 4/7 in 2.3 overs as the UAE was bundled out for 57 runs. Shivam Dube took ¾ with his medium pace.
