India Dominate Pakistan in Asia Cup Thriller as Post-Match Handshakes Omitted

Dubai, September 14, 2025 — In a charged Group A clash at the Asia Cup, India produced a sweeping performance to beat Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down a modest total of 128 with more than four overs to spare at the Dubai International Stadium. The win cements India’s grip on the top spot in the group.

Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone
Opting to bat first, Pakistan never managed to seize control. Hardik Pandya removed Saim Ayub on the very first legal delivery, while Mohammad Haris followed soon after, departing for just three. Early breakthroughs ushered in a collapse. Spinners proved decisive: Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) exploited the middle overs with wrist spin, and Axar Patel (2-18) applied pressure from the other end.

Among Pakistan’s few positives were Sahibzada Farhan’s gritty 40 off 44, peppered with one boundary and three sixes, and a late cameo by Shaheen Afridi — an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls — offering some respectability to the total. But India’s bowlers kept things tight; Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 127/9.

Sky-High Chase, Early Fire from Abhishek
India’s response was aggressive from the outset. Abhishek Sharma lit up the powerplay, launching a boundary and a six off Shaheen Afridi. He didn’t look back until he fell for 31 off 13 balls, caught while trying to up the ante against a slower delivery. Shubman Gill also showed attacking intent but fell soon after – stumped off a carrom ball by Saim Ayub, for 10.

Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav then steadied the chase. Tilak mixed orthodox and unorthodox shots well, while SKY (Suryakumar) found his rhythm with elegant strokeplay. Suryakumar finished the job, remaining unbeaten on 47 off 37, sealing the win with a massive slog sweep. Shivam Dube provided support, staying not out on 10 off 7, and launching a mammoth 90-metre six in style.

Off the Field: No Handshakes and Strong Statements
The match became about more than just cricket when, after the final wicket, India’s players skipped the customary post-match handshakes. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later said the choice was deliberate, aligning with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the government, and noted that India came “just to play.” He dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and to India’s armed forces, underscoring the emotional weight of this contest.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson were seen approaching the Indian dugout after the match, but there was no reciprocal gesture. Nor was there a handshake at the toss.