India recorded an easy-peasy seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, Sunday. The chase was set up by an explosive batting from Abhishek Sharma, who scored 31 runs off just 13 balls. His aggressive approach neutralised Pakistan's bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who conceded 23 runs in his two overs. After hitting a straight boundary and two sixes, Sharma's quick scoring escalated India's run rate. Despite the early dismissals of Shubman Gill (10) and Sharma himself in the fourth over, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Naidu (31 off 31 balls) calmly added 56 runs for the third wicket, ensuring a comfortable path to victory.
India completed the chase with 4.1 overs to spare, but a notable break from tradition occurred after the game. Typically, players from both teams shake hands and chat after a match, but on Sunday, the mood at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was somber. The players from both sides headed directly to their respective dressing rooms without any interaction.
The decisive moment came when Suryakumar Yadav finished the game with a six off Sufiyan Muqeem. He then simply called his partner Shivam Dube and the two quietly walked off the field toward their dressing room, a silent conclusion to the rivalry.
The match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has been surrounded by controversy, stemming from a conflict between the two nations that began in late April 2025 with many called for boycotting the match. Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been on hold for the last decade, with the teams only facing each other in tournaments organised by the ACC and ICC. However, the recent conflict has led to renewed calls for a complete boycott of all cricket matches between the two countries.
Meanwhile, right after India's win Suryakumar revealed the mood of Indian dressing room before the match.
"We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with BCCI and government: India captain Suryakumar Yadav on not shaking hands with Pakistan players after their win in Asia Cup match in Dubai," Suryakumar said at the post match press conference.
"When we came here, the team and support staff decided that 75 to 80 percent outside noise needed to be cut off. My team insulates me from outside noise," he added.
This dominant win places India in a strong position in the Asia Cup group stage as they have already qualified for the Super 4, while Pakistan now face immense pressure to keep their tournament hopes alive.
India will next face Oman on September 19, while Pakistan will take on UAE on September 17.