Dubai: India continue dominance with win over Pakistan
India extended their strong run in T20Is with a convincing seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup at Dubai on Sunday. The match saw skipper Suryakumar Yadav lead from the front with an unbeaten 47, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel delivered economical spells to restrict the opposition.
However, it was not just the cricket that drew attention. After the match, the Indian players did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture that raised eyebrows and invited questions.
Suryakumar’s stance on no handshake
When asked about the decision to avoid the customary post-match handshake, Suryakumar clarified that the move was in line with directions taken before the tournament.
“Our government and BCCI were aligned. When we came here, we took a call. We were here to just play the game. We gave them a proper reply,” Suryakumar said.
The skipper also addressed the trolling and criticism that surrounded India’s participation in the match following the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year. He revealed that the team deliberately chose to ignore external chatter.
“We had shut down 70 to 80 per cent outside noise. Our players and support staff had talked about cutting down as much outside noise as possible. So that we could execute our plans well,” he added.
Pakistan’s innings fails to gather momentum
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, but their innings stumbled early. At 6/2, the team was struggling when Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (17 off 15 balls) attempted to rebuild with a 39-run stand.
India’s bowlers kept the pressure on, reducing Pakistan to 97/8. A late surge from Shaheen Shah Afridi (33* off 16 balls, including four sixes) helped Pakistan reach 127/9 in 20 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, taking 3/18. Axar Patel (2/18) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) chipped in with crucial wickets, while Hardik Pandya also picked one.
India’s chase led by young stars
India’s reply was brisk despite early hiccups. Abhishek Sharma gave the innings momentum with a blazing 31 off just 13 deliveries, hitting four fours and two sixes in the powerplay.
Suryakumar then anchored the innings, forging a 56-run stand with Tilak Varma (31 off 31 balls). Their partnership ensured India stayed ahead of the chase. Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls, steering India home alongside Shivam Dube (10*).
India sealed victory with seven wickets in hand and 25 balls to spare, maintaining their dominance over Pakistan in recent T20 encounters.
Kuldeep Yadav earns Player of the Match
Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul was pivotal in dismantling Pakistan’s batting order. For his controlled spell, he was awarded the Player of the Match.
With this win, India secured their second consecutive victory and moved to the top of Group A. The team looks well poised for the rest of the Asia Cup campaign