No traditional handshake between the two teams show deep bitterness
Ashu Kumar
Dubai, Sept 14:
India stamped their authority in the Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The triumph was built on Kuldeep Yadav’s magical spin spell and sealed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who anchored the chase with a fluent 47 and later dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in Srinagar.
The contest, though one-sided on the scoreboard, carried an air of intensity even before the first ball was bowled. At the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha, a symbolic gesture of silent protest in light of the recent violence in Kashmir. That act set the tone for what became a politically charged fixture. After the match, the Indian team again refused to participate in the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, stirring debates about sportsmanship and political messaging in cricket.
On the field, India was dominant from the outset. Pakistan, having won the toss and elected to bat, were immediately rattled by India’s pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya struck early blows, sending both openers back inside the powerplay and reducing Pakistan to 35 for 4. Kuldeep Yadav then took over, weaving his wrist-spin magic through Pakistan’s middle order. His figures of 3 for 22 broke the backbone of their batting, dismissing key players including captain Salman Agha. Axar Patel chipped in with 2 for 28, ensuring Pakistan never recovered momentum.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s spirited cameo of 22 runs off 15 balls gave Pakistan some breathing space, lifting them past the 100-run mark, but their innings closed tamely at 127 for 9 in 20 overs.
India’s reply was emphatic. Abhishek Sharma blazed his way to 31 off just 13 balls, dismantling Pakistan’s opening bowlers with audacious hitting in the powerplay. His knock, featuring two towering sixes and three boundaries, effectively killed the chase before it had even begun. After Abhishek’s dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav guided the innings with calm authority. His 47 was a masterclass in composure and precision, ensuring India crossed the finish line without panic. Supporting contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad (20) and Tilak Varma (15\*) rounded off the effort. Surya fittingly finished the game with a pull over mid-wicket for six, sealing India’s victory with more than five overs remaining.
Kuldeep Yadav was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. “Performing in an India-Pakistan game is always special. I just trusted my variations, and thankfully, the conditions suited spin,” he said after the game.
For Suryakumar Yadav, who celebrated his birthday on the day of the match, the win was deeply personal and emotional. “It feels like a perfect return gift to the nation,” he said to loud cheers. “This victory is dedicated to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and to our brave armed forces. We want to stand by their families and make them proud.”
While India’s dominance was undisputed on the field, the refusal to exchange handshakes off it ensured the contest would be remembered for its political undertones as much as the cricket. As the Asia Cup heats up, India’s form cements their position as tournament favorites, while Pakistan are left searching for answers after a disappointing performance.
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