'We stand by the victims of Pahalgam': Suryakumar Yadav dedicates India’s win over Pakistan to armed forces

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 to the armed forces and the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

“We stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation in Dubai.



On the field, chasing 128, skipper Suryakumar Yadav (47 not out off 37) and Shivam Dube sealed victory in 15.5 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India’s spinners dominated. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) choked Pakistan’s middle order after Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early blows.

Only Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) and Shaheen Afridi (33 not out off 16) offered resistance, taking Pakistan to 127/9.

In reply, India made short work of the chase. Abhishek Sharma blazed 31 off 13 balls, Tilak Varma steadied with 31 off 31, and Suryakumar finished things off with trademark composure.

Both sides came into the clash on the back of convincing wins, India crushing UAE and Pakistan thrashing Oman. But the simmering political tensions between the neighbours spilled onto the field, with the absence of handshakes adding another layer to the rivalry.

India now top Group A, while Pakistan are left with questions both on and off the field after another heated chapter in this storied contest.

Brief score:

Pakistan: 127/ 9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18)
India: 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47 not out, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3/35).

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