India Beat Pakistan Again, No Handshakes in Asia Cup

Sports

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a tense Asia Cup Super Four match, where political tensions overshadowed cricket as players once again refused to shake hands. Chasing 172, India’s Abhishek Sharma smashed 74 off 39 balls, supported by Shubman Gill’s 47, as the pair added 105 runs for the opening wicket. Tilak Varma sealed victory with a six, remaining unbeaten on 30. Pakistan posted 171-5, anchored by Sahibzada Farhan’s 58, though their innings stalled mid-way with a 40-ball boundary drought. Shivam Dube impressed for India, taking 2-33.

Tempers flared when umpire intervention was required between Abhishek and Haris Rauf during the chase. Neither team acknowledged each other at the toss nor exchanged handshakes post-match, echoing last week’s encounter that drew a complaint from Pakistan. India’s win marked their seventh consecutive victory over Pakistan across formats. Pakistan next face Sri Lanka on Tuesday, while India play Bangladesh on Wednesday. Both could meet again in Sunday’s final if they finish in the top two.