India stays at the top of Group A at the ongoing Asia Cup after their commanding victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India chased down a target of a measly 128 and comfortably sealed the victory in 15.5 overs with seven wickets to spare. The skipper Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37 balls) and Shivam Dube finished the innings for India.
India Players avoided handshakes with the Pakistani players after the Match
The skipper Suryakumar Yadav finished the innings with a six off Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem. Following the victory, Yadav only shook hands with his batting partner Shivam Dube, and the duo made their way back to the dressing room, avoiding any interaction with the Pakistan players. Even at the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was instructed by the match referee not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson later approached the Indian dressing room, only to find it was locked and no players came out to shake hands. In protest against what they perceived as “unsportsmanlike behaviour,” the Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.
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Suryakumar Yadav dedicates victory to the Indian Armed Forces
Suryakumar Yadav, during the post-match press conference, defended the team’s actions and explained that the victory was dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces. He also expressed his solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity,” he said, before adding, “I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.”
He further added, “I hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face.” Framing it as a political and emotional decision, he said, “The team was aligned with the government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India in not shaking hands with the Pakistan team.”
Conclusion
The clash between the two sides was the first encounter since the deadly military conflict in May that left more than 70 people dead. The political tensions between the two nations spilled onto the field. India’s dominant victory over their arch-rivals is no longer the talking point in their Asia Cup clash. They now, however, top Group A, and the two sides may face each other yet again in the Super Four stage.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
