Mismatch: Kuldeep sets up India’s crushing win over listless Pakistan

India beat Pakistan by seven wickets in Group A at the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai

- Somshuvra Laha

India are no strangers to comprehensive wins against Pakistan of late but this one felt different. No handshakes exchanged at the toss, none after the match, no pumping of fists or animated glares either, this was a tie marked by an unusually quiet grit that translated into a seven-wicket victory against a hapless Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.

The match was won and lost in the first half of either innings, Pakistan tottering at 49/4 in 10 ‘overs before India cruised to 88/2. Abhishek Sharma went berserk with a 13-ball 31 to give India the kind of momentum they couldn't have frittered away. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav took over and calmly consolidated the start in two crucial partnerships to see India home.

The Indian skipper dedicated the win to the armed forces. “We stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity and we want to dedicate today's win to the armed forces,” he said at the presentation.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was not invited to give his comments at the post-match presentation.

In a game obsessed with batting feats, this was a win fronted primarily by India's bowlers. In 13 overs, India’s spinners had accounted for six wickets, for just 65 runs. Overall, 63 dot balls had been bowled by India. None of this would have been possible without help from Pakistan’s batters.