India and Pakistan finally locked horns in the Asia Cup 2025, but the contest was about much more than just cricket. In a night that brought both cricketing brilliance and raw emotion, skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s thumping seven-wicket win over Pakistan to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the armed forces, while tensions off the field meant the match ended without customary handshakes.
Suryakumar’s Heartfelt Gesture After Victory
The build-up to the match was overshadowed by boycott calls in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. After India wrapped up the chase in style, SKY used his moment to send out a message that struck a chord across the nation.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out. We stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground to smile,” said Suryakumar.
On his 35th birthday, the Indian captain remained unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls, finishing the match with a six — a symbolic “return gift” to fans and the nation.
Kuldeep Yadav Spins Web Around Pakistan
If SKY provided the emotional core, Kuldeep Yadav delivered the cricketing punch. With figures of 3/18, he was named Player of the Match, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order on a sluggish Dubai surface.
“Nothing much, to be honest. I just try to keep things simple and execute the plans. The first ball is always a wicket-taking ball in my mind,” Kuldeep explained after his match-winning spell.
He was ably supported by Axar Patel (2/18) and Varun Chakaravarthy (1/24), ensuring Pakistan’s innings never found momentum.
Shaheen’s Late Fireworks Not Enough
Pakistan’s innings began in disarray — Hardik Pandya struck with the first legal delivery, while Jasprit Bumrah removed Mohammad Haris early. Only Sahibzada Farhan (40) offered resistance before Shaheen Afridi’s cameo (33 off 16, 4 sixes) gave their total some respectability at 127/9.
No Handshakes: Frosty Undertones Linger
The clash wasn’t just about bat and ball. Diplomatic tensions spilled onto the field as both captains, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, skipped the traditional handshake at the toss.At the end, there were no post-match handshakes between the two sides either, breaking away from cricketing norms and reflecting the strained backdrop of Operation Sindoor and ongoing restrictions on bilateral cricketing ties.
India’s Clinical Chase
Chasing 128, Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 31 off 13 balls gave India a flying start, though Pakistan’s Saim Ayub pegged them back with three wickets. But SKY and Shivam Dube ensured there were no hiccups.
Fittingly, Suryakumar sealed the win with a towering six, marking both his birthday and India’s dominance in style.
A Night of Cricket & Conscience
The India-Pakistan rivalry always carries weight, but this clash will be remembered not just for India’s commanding cricket but also for its emotional resonance. SKY’s tribute to the armed forces, Kuldeep’s craft, and the lack of handshakes painted a bigger picture — where sport, politics, and human emotion collided under the Dubai floodlights.
