New Delhi: India defeat Pakistan amid backdrop of Pahalgam attack
India registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup, their first clash since the April Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor launched by the Indian Armed Forces. Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised the players for handling the pressure and dedicated the win to victims of the attack while lauding the armed forces for their response.
The game carried a weight far beyond cricket, as questions had been raised over whether the match should go ahead in the wake of recent violence. But on the field, India showed composure and dominance, reaffirming their focus on both the sport and solidarity with the nation.
Gambhir’s message of solidarity
Following the win, Gambhir emphasised that the occasion was about more than just cricket.
“Good win. There is still a lot of cricket left in this tournament. This match was important as we wanted to show solidarity with the victims and families and what they went through during that Pahalgam attack. More importantly, we want to thank the Indian Army for their successful Operation Sindoor. We will try to make our country proud and happy,” Gambhir said in a post-match interaction.
His words reflected the emotional significance of the game, blending sporting achievement with national sentiment.
Pakistan’s innings falter despite Afridi’s late flourish
Winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat but were soon on the back foot. India struck early, reducing them to 6/2. A brief partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44 balls, with one four and three sixes) and Fakhar Zaman (17 off 15 balls) brought some stability, but wickets kept tumbling.
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as India’s most successful bowler with figures of 3/18. He was well supported by Axar Patel (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) and Hardik Pandya (1 wicket).
Pakistan’s innings seemed destined for collapse at 97/8 before Shaheen Shah Afridi’s powerful cameo of 33* in just 16 deliveries, including four sixes, lifted them to 127/9 in 20 overs.
India’s chase led by Suryakumar and youngsters
Chasing 128, India lost two early wickets but never looked in danger. Abhishek Sharma played a blazing cameo of 31 runs off just 13 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes to give the team momentum in the powerplay.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, finding a reliable partner in Tilak Varma, who scored 31 off 31 deliveries. Their 56-run stand steadied the innings and ensured India stayed ahead of the required run rate.
Shivam Dube (10*) provided finishing support as India sealed the win with seven wickets in hand and 25 balls to spare.
Kuldeep Yadav shines as Player of the Match
For his match-winning spell, Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match. His ability to break Pakistan’s middle order resistance proved decisive in restricting them to a below-par total.
India top Group A
With two wins in two games, India now sit comfortably at the top of Group A, looking strong for the rest of the Asia Cup. The victory against Pakistan has also boosted team morale, with Gambhir and the players determined to carry the momentum forward.
While the cricketing achievement was impressive, it was Gambhir’s tribute to victims of the Pahalgam attack and his salute to the armed forces that gave this win deeper meaning.Suryakumar Yadav India captaincy Pakistan clash, Pahalgam terror attack tribute in Asia Cup