DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Diya TV) — India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a tense Asia Cup clash on Sunday, marking the first meeting between the cricketing neighbors since a military conflict in May. The match ended amid controversy as Indian players left the field without shaking hands with the Pakistani team.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the decision in his post-match press conference. He said the team was “aligned with the government and Board of Control for Cricket in India” in choosing not to shake hands.
The two teams have not played a bilateral Test series since 2008, when attacks in Mumbai were blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Despite calls to boycott the T20 match, India chose to play.
The hostilities in May killed more than 70 people during exchanges involving missiles, drones, and artillery. The conflict followed an April 22 attack on civilians in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, though Pakistan denies the allegation.
After the Asia Cup match, Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed disappointment. “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game,” Hesson said. “We went over there, and they were already gone to the changing room. That was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match.”
Suryakumar described the India-Pakistan match as “just another game” and dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces. “We stand with the victims and the families of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we express our solidarity,” he said.
Pakistan’s team management lodged a protest with match referee Andy Pycroft after the game. The statement said the behavior of Indian players “was against the spirit of sportsmanship.” It also noted that Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was not sent to the post-match ceremony.
The match took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Pakistan batted first but struggled to score, finishing with 127-9 in their 20 overs. India’s bowlers played a dominant role in restricting Pakistan’s innings.
Hardik Pandya took a wicket in the first over, dismissing opener Saim Ayub for a golden duck. Jasprit Bumrah followed with the wicket of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris for three runs.
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored for Pakistan with 40 runs and attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, who scored 17. Axar Patel broke their partnership, dismissing Zaman, then Agha for three runs in the next over. Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in successive deliveries, removing Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz as Pakistan fell to 64-6 inside 13 overs.
Despite the collapse, number nine Shaheen Shah Afridi hit four sixes in an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls. His effort helped Pakistan reach a total of 127, but it was not enough to challenge India’s batting lineup.
India lost two early wickets but maintained momentum thanks to a quickfire 31 off 13 balls from opener Abhishek Sharma. Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 47, guiding India to victory with 25 balls to spare. Abhishek hit four boundaries and two sixes before being caught out at long-off. Suryakumar finished the match with a winning six, sending Indian fans into celebration.
India’s victory kept them undefeated in the group stage, with two wins from two matches. They are nearly assured a place in the Super Fours stage, with their final group match against Oman scheduled for September 19. Pakistan, despite the defeat, will face the UAE next on September 17 and remain a strong contender for advancement.
