Asia Cup: An unstoppable India set to take on Pakistan in Super Four clash amid off-the-field drama
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India and Pakistan gear up for another intense showdown in the Asia Cup Super Four stage, facing off in Dubai on Sunday. This high-stakes T20 cricket match could decide who advances to the final, but the rivalry already simmers with drama from their last encounter.
Remember the first India vs Pakistan clash? It followed the tragic Pahalgam terror attacks in April and India’s bold Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-backed terrorism. India dominated, chasing down 128 runs with seven wickets to spare. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav earned Player of the Match honors with a stellar 3/18 spell, holding Pakistan to 127/9.
Off the field, things got spicy. After the win, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube skipped handshakes with the Pakistan team. TV footage even captured the Indian squad closing their dressing room door on opponents. Suryakumar dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam attacks, showing deep national pride.
Pakistan’s response heated up quick. Skipper Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation, sending coach Mike Hesson instead. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then lodged a complaint against match referee Richie Pycroft, accusing him of breaching ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket under Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) rules.
Tensions carried over to Pakistan’s next game against UAE. They canceled their pre-match press conference and holed up in their hotel. PCB even threatened to withdraw from the tournament unless Pycroft stepped aside. The match started an hour late after a tense meeting between Pycroft and Pakistan’s leadership. They went on to win and reach the Super Four. Ahead of this India clash, Pakistan ditched another presser.
Later reports from ESPNcricinfo revealed Pycroft learned about the no-handshake just four minutes before the toss—from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager. He was simply passing the message, not calling the shots. After his chat with Pakistan, PCB claimed Pycroft apologized, but the ICC wasn’t thrilled. They mulled a clarifying statement, though nothing’s confirmed yet. PCB also shared a muted video of the meeting, despite earlier concerns about recording.
With all this off-field buzz, both teams enter Sunday’s India Pakistan cricket showdown carrying some baggage. India plans to stick with their aggressive T20 style that’s worked wonders lately. Pakistan, known for their unpredictable T20I flair, might channel the controversy into extra fire for surprises.
Suryakumar Yadav sounded upbeat at the pre-match presser. “Our preparations have been spot on, especially after three solid games,” he said. “We’re focusing on our strengths and good habits from recent matches. It’s one game at a time—no edge from beating them before. We start fresh, and the better team on the day wins.”
He also tackled shutting out distractions in big matches like this, amid the noise and controversies. “Close your door, switch off your phone, and get some sleep—that’s the best advice. It’s tough because you chat with friends or teammates who scroll through everything. But it’s up to you what you let in. I’ve told the boys: Block the junk, grab the useful tips that help on the field. Everyone’s in a great headspace.”
Pakistan’s spin duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, plus all-rounders Saim Ayub and Sufiyan Muqeem, could challenge India hard. Ayub, the opener stuck on three straight ducks, desperately wants to fire against India’s strong lineup.
India’s spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel—must repeat their previous magic in Dubai, where they grabbed six wickets for just 60 runs in 12 overs. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains a game-changer, striking fear in any phase.
Watch for Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who’s smashed 99 runs at a blistering 225 strike rate, with a best of 38. If he survives the powerplay, his spin-bashing could explode for 70-80 or even a ton, boosting his T20I resume. Suryakumar, fresh off an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan last time, aims for another big knock. Vice-captain Shubman Gill, struggling with scores of 20*, 10, and 5, needs a breakout innings to prove his T20I spot and leadership role.
India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (w), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (w), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khushdil Shah, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem.
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