No handshakes as India Defeats Pakistan in Asia Cup Super Four Clash
LAHORE,Pakistan – India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a tense Asia Cup Super Four match on Sunday,continuing a streak of seven consecutive wins against their rivals across all formats. However, the on-field atmosphere remained fraught with tension, marked by a continued refusal to shake hands and several heated exchanges, stemming from ongoing geopolitical conflict between the two nations.
The lack of customary post-match pleasantries – no handshakes at the toss or after the game – followed a complaint by Pakistan to tournament organizers after the teams’ first meeting last week,raising concerns about Pakistan’s continued participation in the competition. This latest encounter occurred against a backdrop of a four-day military conflict in April,triggered by a militant attack in India-administered Kashmir.
During India’s accomplished chase of 172, opener Abhishek Sharma was involved in a heated exchange with Pakistan bowler Haris Rauf, requiring umpire intervention. “The way they were coming to us without any reason I didn’t like at all,” sharma said after the match. “I just wanted to deliver for my team.” Sharma’s aggressive batting, contributing 74 runs off 39 balls, alongside Shubman Gill’s 47, formed a crucial first-wicket partnership of 105 in 59 balls. Tilak Varma then sealed the victory with a six, finishing on 30 not out.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 171-5, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 58 off 45 balls, celebrating his half-century with a gesture mimicking firing a gun. Despite a strong start and 42 runs from the final three overs, Pakistan faltered in the middle overs, hampered by effective bowling from India’s Shivam Dube (2-33).
Neither captain, Suryakumar Yadav of India nor Salman Agha of Pakistan, addressed the wider political context during the post-match presentation, a contrast to Yadav’s tributes to India’s armed forces following their previous encounter. Pakistan will next face Sri Lanka on Tuesday, while India will play Bangladesh on Wednesday. A top-two finish in the Super four group for either team would set up a rematch in Sunday’s final.
