Our Bureau
Dubai
India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match held at Dubai International Stadium on September 21, 2025. The win marked India’s second victory over Pakistan within a week. However, the match was marred by several heated moments and controversies, most notably involving Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf. Rauf sparked widespread backlash after making provocative gestures toward Indian fans, including a “6-0” signal and a fighter jet crashing motion. These gestures referenced unverified claims by Pakistan regarding downing six Indian fighter jets during a recent military conflict, escalating tensions between the teams and fans.
The Indian crowd had been chanting Virat Kohli’s name to unsettle Rauf, recalling Kohli’s historic sixes against him in 2022, but Rauf responded with taunts and aggressive gestures, drawing condemnation from cricket enthusiasts and social media users who called his antics “disgusting” and “incompetent.” Rauf’s provocative behavior was not isolated, as teammate Sahibzada Farhan also made controversial gestures on the field that triggered political debate and criticism.
Amidst the tension, India’s batsmen delivered a commanding performance. Abhishek Sharma shone with a fiery 74 off 39 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, while Shubman Gill contributed a stylish 47. Their strong opening partnership of 105 runs set a solid foundation for India to chase down the target of 172 with seven balls to spare. Despite Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf’s attempts to disrupt the innings with verbal exchanges and intimidation tactics, India maintained control throughout the match.
Post-match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav dismissed notions of an “India-Pakistan rivalry,” emphasizing sportsmanship. However, controversy continued to swirl over the inflammatory gestures by Pakistani players, sparking calls for a boycott and criticism from former cricketers and analysts across the cricketing world. The drama extended beyond the field, with inflammatory remarks on Pakistani TV intensifying the political undercurrents surrounding the fixture.
The clash underscored how cricket between India and Pakistan continues to be a stage for both thrilling competition and off-field tension in the Asia Cup 2025 tournament.
