Dubai,United Arab Emirates – India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a gripping final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium,successfully defending their Asia Cup title. The victory marks India’s ninth Asia Cup championship, solidifying their dominance in the tournament.
The match unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing political tension between the two nations, extending to the cricket field where players from both sides declined a traditional post-match handshake, mirroring similar displays in earlier tournament encounters. Adding to the unusual circumstances, the Indian team notably refused to participate in the trophy presentation, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stating the players declined to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board. “it’s one thing that I have never seen in my career that a champion team is denied its trophy,” remarked India captain Suryakumar Yadav.
The rivalry is deeply rooted,recently exacerbated by a brief military conflict in May,which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged with a congratulatory message to the Indian team. Prior to this conflict, and reflecting the strained relationship, matches between the two countries had already been restricted to neutral venues.
Pakistan,batting first,began strongly with an 84-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46). Reaching 113-1 with 44 balls remaining, their innings suffered a dramatic collapse. left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded the Indian attack, claiming 4-30 as Pakistan lost their final nine wickets for just 33 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 146 with five balls unused. This marked the third meeting between the teams during the tournament, with india emerging victorious in all encounters.
