On Sunday, India not only outclassed Pakistan by seven wickets in the sixth match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, but also used the opportunity to convey a forceful message. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his victory to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror assault.
Earlier this year, in April, the nation was rattled by a terror assault in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, aimed at cross-border terror infrastructures. The military action heightened tensions between India and Pakistan before deescalating with a ceasefire. Following the game, the Indian team declined to shake hands with the other team and returned to their dressing room. The incident caused Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, to miss the post-match interview.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Indian soldiers and the victims of the attack.
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims 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 whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” he said at the post-match interview.
This victory is for you, India 🇮🇳
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— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 14, 2025
Gautam Gambhir shares same thoughts
Notably, India coach Gautam Gambhir shared the same thoughts, thanking the forces for Operation Sindoor and reiterating that the team stood in solidarity with the victims’ families. The Men in Blue were clinical in all three departments in the game.
Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya wreaked havoc with the new ball, picking two wickets in two overs. Though Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan tried to steady the ship, India’s spin attack looked at its usual best. Axar Patel removed Fakhar before Kuldeep Yadav delivered a double strike, dismissing Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz off successive deliveries.
Pakistan struggled in the middle overs and were eventually restricted to 127/9. Kuldeep finished with figures of 3/18, while Axar chipped in with 2/18. For Pakistan, only Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33* off 18 balls) offered some resistance, with Shaheen’s sixes pushing the team past 120.
India’s chase began with Abhishek Sharma smashing Shaheen Afridi for a four and six off the first two balls he faced, racing to 31 off just 13 deliveries. Despite losing Shubman Gill and Abhishek inside the powerplay, India never looked in trouble. Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, while Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube chipped in important runs. India crossed the target in just 15.5 overs.
India
