In a heartfelt gesture following India’s commanding seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, captain Suryakumar Yadav honored the nation’s armed forces and extended solidarity to the families impacted by the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The victory, achieved with clinical efficiency at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, underscored India’s dominance in Group A while amplifying the off-field undercurrents of the high-stakes rivalry.
Speaking at the post-match presentation in Dubai, Suryakumar emphasized the team’s unwavering support for those affected. “We stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” he declared, channeling the nation’s resilience into the moment.
On the pitch, Pakistan’s innings unraveled under pressure, folding at 127 for nine in their 20 overs. Early strikes from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah set the tone, but it was the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel who dismantled the middle order. Kuldeep claimed three wickets for just 18 runs, while Axar snared two for the same economical figures, leaving Pakistan’s batsmen scrambling.
Only opener Sahibzada Farhan, with a gritty 40 off 44 balls, and lower-order hitter Shaheen Afridi, who remained unbeaten on 33 off 16, provided fleeting resistance. In pursuit of 128, India romped home in a mere 15.5 overs, losing only three wickets. Opener Abhishek Sharma set an explosive foundation with 31 off 13 deliveries, Tilak Varma anchored the middle with a composed 31 off 31, and Suryakumar himself steered the chase to its conclusion with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, blending aggression with poise alongside Shivam Dube.
Both teams entered the encounter buoyed by prior successes India had dismantled UAE, while Pakistan had overwhelmed Oman but the fixture carried extra weight amid escalating political frictions between the two nations. The post-match scene reflected this tension, with no traditional handshakes exchanged, prompting Suryakumar to reflect: “Some things in life are ahead of sportsmanship.” Saim Ayub emerged as Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking three for 35, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
This result catapults India to the top of Group A, bolstering their campaign in the tournament. For Pakistan, the defeat raises probing questions about strategy and composure, both during play and in the broader narrative of this enduring contest. As the Asia Cup progresses, Suryakumar’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder that cricket, in moments like these, transcends the boundary rope.
Brief scores: Pakistan 127/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18). India 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3/35).
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