The rivalry of India vs Pakistan T20 cricket has once again grabbed headlines, not just for thrilling action on the field but also for the continued refusal of players to shake hands. In the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at Dubai International Stadium, India registered a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive knock. However, the post-match drama over handshakes overshadowed the result, adding another fiery chapter to the historic rivalry.
Pakistan started the India vs Pakistan T20 contest brightly, reaching 91-1 at the halfway mark. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer, smashing 58 off 45 balls, while Saim Ayub contributed a handy 21. The duo’s 72-run partnership threatened to push Pakistan towards a massive score. However, India’s bowlers struck back as Shivam Dube dismissed both set batters, halting Pakistan’s momentum.
Despite Faheem Ashraf’s quick-fire 20 not out, Pakistan managed only 171-5, a total that appeared competitive but fell short against India’s batting firepower.
Match Summary
- Match: India vs Pakistan T20 – Asia Cup 2025, Super Four (Dubai)
- Pakistan Innings: 171-5 (20 overs) – Farhan 58 (45), Ayub 21; Dube 2-33
- India Innings: 174-4 (18.5 overs) – Abhishek 74 (39), Gill 47 (28); Rauf 2-26
- Result: India won by six wickets
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium
- Key Highlight: No handshakes again between the two teams
Abhishek Sharma’s Blazing Knock
India’s chase in this India vs Pakistan T20 battle was defined by Abhishek Sharma’s fearless batting. The left-hander smashed 74 off just 39 deliveries, decorated with five towering sixes and six boundaries. From the first ball, Sharma showed intent, even exchanging heated words with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf. His aggression sent a strong message and laid the foundation for India’s dominance.
Shubman Gill supported well with 47 off 28 balls as the openers added 105 runs in under 10 overs. Their partnership broke the back of Pakistan’s bowling attack and silenced the Dubai crowd, many of whom expected a closer contest.
After Sharma and Gill’s dismissals, India briefly stumbled, losing Yadav cheaply. But Tilak Varma, with an unbeaten 30, kept his composure and guided India home with a six in the 19th over. This secured India’s seventh consecutive victory over Pakistan across formats, reaffirming their dominance in the rivalry.
No Handshakes, Only Heated Exchanges
Beyond the runs and wickets, this India vs Pakistan T20 clash was marked by tension. The players once again refused the traditional handshakes, both before and after the match. Even at the toss, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha did not acknowledge each other.
During India’s chase, the on-field drama escalated as the umpire had to step in between Abhishek Sharma and Haris Rauf after a verbal exchange. This incident added spice to an already high-voltage rivalry, keeping the spotlight firmly on the political and cultural undertones surrounding the match.
The India vs Pakistan T20 handshake controversy is fast becoming the central talking point of this Asia Cup. Pakistan had earlier lodged complaints with the organizers after India’s refusal to shake hands in the group stage clash. While Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha did attend the post-match presentation this time—a U-turn from his absence in the group game—the players still refrained from any symbolic gestures of sportsmanship.
This gesture, or lack thereof, continues to overshadow the cricket itself, highlighting how political tensions off the field are spilling into sporting traditions.
What’s Next in the Asia Cup?
Pakistan will now face Sri Lanka in a must-win game to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. Meanwhile, India will lock horns with Bangladesh in their next India vs Pakistan T20-linked Super Four fixture. If both India and Pakistan qualify for the top two spots, fans could witness another explosive clash in the Asia Cup final.
The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan was yet another thrilling chapter in the fierce India vs Pakistan T20 rivalry. While Abhishek Sharma’s heroics with the bat sealed a comfortable win for India, the lack of handshakes and on-field confrontations made headlines worldwide. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await whether these two archrivals will lock horns again in the final, promising more drama both on and off the pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who won the latest India vs Pakistan T20 in the Asia Cup 2025?
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Super Four stage at Dubai International Stadium.
Q2: Why were there no handshakes in the India vs Pakistan T20?
Due to ongoing political tensions, the Indian players, following their board’s instructions, did not shake hands with Pakistani players.
Q3: Who was the standout performer in this India vs Pakistan T20 clash?
Abhishek Sharma was the star, scoring 74 runs off just 39 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Q4: What was Pakistan’s main highlight in this India vs Pakistan T20?
Opener Sahibzada Farhan scored a fighting 58, while Pakistan built a strong start before losing momentum.
Q5: Could India and Pakistan meet again in this Asia Cup?
Yes, if both teams finish in the top two of the Super Four table, they will face each other again in the fina