No Handshakes, All Heart: India Defeats Pak In Frosty Cricket Clash, Dedicates Win To Armed Forces

DUBAI– In a high-voltage Asia Cup match that was more than just a game of cricket, India secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14. The win was notably dedicated to India’s armed forces and the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, adding a layer of political and emotional significance to the already tense rivalry.

The palpable tension was evident from the very start. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, skipped the customary handshake at the toss, setting a precedent for the lack of sportsmanship that would follow. After India’s clinical victory, Indian batters Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field without engaging in the traditional post-match handshake with the Pakistani players, who also made no effort to extend the gesture. The frosty atmosphere continued with Salman Agha skipping the post-match presentation ceremony.

“We stand with the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we express our solidarity, and we want to dedicate today’s win to the armed forces,” Suryakumar Yadav said at the presentation ceremony, confirming the win was a direct response to the heightened diplomatic tensions following the deadly attack that prompted India’s Operation Sindoor.

On the field, India’s spin-heavy strategy proved decisive. The team, fresh off a T20 World Cup win, showcased their dominance in all aspects of the game. Kuldeep Yadav led the spin attack with a brilliant 3-18, earning him the Player of the Match award. He was well supported by Axar Patel (2-18) and Varun Chakaravarthy (1-24). The trio’s remarkable control on the sluggish Dubai pitch restricted Pakistan to a low score of 127/9. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farham top-scored with 40, but it was a late flurry from Shaheen Shah Afridi (33 not out off 16 balls) that gave their innings some respectability.

Chasing a modest 128, India cruised to victory with 25 balls to spare. Suryakumar Yadav, celebrating his 35th birthday, led from the front with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, ensuring India reached the target comfortably.

“Great feeling and a perfect return gift to India. One box that I always wanted to tick – stay there and bat till the end,” said Suryakumar about his match-winning performance. Kuldeep Yadav attributed his success to simple plans and a wicket-taking mindset, stating, “Just execute the plans. Just see who is batting and react accordingly.”

The match marked the first international encounter between the two nations since the recent diplomatic tensions. As per a Union Sports Ministry notification, India is permitted to play Pakistan in “international and multilateral events,” but not in “bilateral sports events in each other’s country.” (IANS)