No handshakes again: A recap of what happened during India’s win over Pakistan

Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 74 off 39 balls, including five sixes, propelled India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four on Sunday, continuing a tense atmosphere as players still avoided handshakes.

Handshake row overshadows the game

Despite being the designated host, India and Pakistan are playing the tournament in the United Arab Emirates because the teams do not meet on each other’s soil. India captain Suryakumar Yadav reaffirmed that the team followed instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and government directives not to shake hands with Pakistan players.

“There was no handshake between Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha ahead of Sunday’s game,” reports said. The tension follows a similar incident in the group stage on September 14, which had delayed Pakistan’s match against the United Arab Emirates by an hour. Match referee Andy Pycroft had later apologised for the “miscommunication,” and he was again officiating Sunday’s Super Four clash.

Sharma and Gill lead India’s chase

Sharma’s half-century, launched with a six off the first ball, and vice-captain Shubman Gill’s 47 off 28 balls helped India chase down 172 with ease. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson contributed crucial runs to finish the innings at 174-4 in 18.5 overs.

“They were coming at us without any reason, and I did not like it at all. That’s why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team," Sharma said. "I showed my intent as the team backs me. If it is my day, I am going to win it for my team.”

Pakistan innings: strong start, weak finish

Pakistan scored 171-5 in 20 overs, led by Sahibzada Farhan’s 58 off 45 balls. Fakhar Zaman opened but managed only 15 before being caught behind off Hardik Pandya, a TV umpire decision that sparked debate. Saim Ayub added 21, but Shivam Dube claimed key wickets, including Farhan, slowing Pakistan’s momentum. Faheem Ashraf finished with 20 not out, including two sixes.

India’s fielding was below par during the powerplay, allowing Pakistan to reach 55-1 in six overs, but the middle overs saw wickets fall steadily, curbing their total.

Tense moments under lights

Sharma and Gill put on 69 runs without loss in the powerplay, capitalising on favourable batting conditions at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sharma was dropped twice, in the third and seventh overs, enabling him to reach 50 off 20 balls. Despite Pakistan’s Ashraf dismissing Gill and Yadav being out for a three-ball duck, Varma and Samson steadied the chase, with Varma guiding India to victory with more than an over to spare.

Looking ahead

Pakistan now faces Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Four match in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, while India takes on Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday. The ongoing refusal to shake hands has added an extra edge to these high-stakes clashes.

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