TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: India’s commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A clash on Sunday was overshadowed by a post-match controversy, with Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressing disappointment over India’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake.“We were ready to shake hands, disappointed opposition didn’t do that,” Hesson said after the game, adding that Pakistan had expected the traditional show of respect regardless of the result.Chasing 128, skipper Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37) and Shivam Dube closed out the win in 15.5 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But instead of greeting their opponents, the Indian pair walked straight to the dressing room. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Hesson later approached the Indian camp, only to find no players available. Hesson looked visibly upset at the snub, which followed a similar incident at the toss when the captains declined to shake hands.Earlier, Suryakumar struck the winning runs on his 35th birthday and later dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces. “We stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. We want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” he said, earning loud applause from the crowd.
On the field, India’s spinners dominated proceedings after Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah rattled Pakistan’s top order. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) tied down the middle order, leaving only Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) and Shaheen Afridi (33 not out off 16) to offer resistance in Pakistan’s total of 127/9. India replied with authority, Abhishek Sharma blazing 31 off 13 and Tilak Varma adding 31 off 31 before Suryakumar finished in style.The no-handshake drama, coupled with an anthem mix-up before the start, added another fiery chapter to the storied rivalry. India now sit comfortably atop Group A, while Pakistan are left battling questions on and off the field.Brief scores: Pakistan: 127/9 in 20 overs (Farhan 40, Shaheen 33*; Kuldeep 3/18, Axar 2/18); India: 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar 47*, Abhishek 31, Tilak 31; Ayub 3/35).
