Tensions boiled over once more as India stormed to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai, with players refusing handshakes and fiery exchanges dominating the high-voltage Asia Cup showdown.
The much-anticipated second meeting between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four ended in yet another controversy, as players from both sides once again refused to shake hands. India, riding on a blazing knock from opener Abhishek Sharma, chased down Pakistan’s 171 with ease to claim a six-wicket win and extend their winning streak against their rivals to seven matches across formats.
The bitterness between the two teams has lingered since their first clash last week, when the lack of handshakes sparked an official complaint from Pakistan. With political tensions still raw after the military conflict between the nations earlier this year, the animosity spilled over again. At the toss, neither captain acknowledged the other, and the match closed without the customary sportsmanship gesture.
On the field, the heat was undeniable. The umpire had to step in when Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf and India’s Abhishek Sharma squared up during a tense moment. Abhishek, however, let his bat do the talking, smashing 74 off just 39 deliveries, including nine fours and four sixes. Together with Shubman Gill, who struck a quick 47 from 28 balls, the duo piled on 105 runs in just 59 balls for the opening wicket, effectively breaking the back of the chase.
Tilak Varma finished the job in style, hammering a six to remain unbeaten on 30 as India reached 174-4 in 18.5 overs. Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Haris Rauf with 2-26, had no answers to India’s aggressive intent.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 171-5 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Sahibzada Farhan, who struck 58 from 45 balls and controversially celebrated his half-century by mimicking the firing of a gun with his bat. Pakistan looked promising at 91-1 after 10 overs but faltered in the middle phase, going 40 balls without a boundary. India’s Shivam Dube was instrumental in stifling their progress, finishing with 2-33.
Unlike the previous clash, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from referencing India’s armed forces in the post-match presentation, while Pakistan skipper Salman Agha also avoided political remarks. Still, the absence of handshakes ensured that the contest will be remembered as much for its hostility as for the cricket.
Pakistan’s next challenge will be against Sri Lanka, while India face Bangladesh. Should both finish in the top two of the group, fans could see another explosive India-Pakistan final on Sunday.
