“Want To Dedicate The Win To All Our Armed Forces”: Suryakumar Yadav On India’s Dominant Victory Against Pakistan In Asia Cup 2025

In a fiery Group A encounter at the Asia Cup 2025, India delivered a resounding statement of dominance by outplaying arch-rivals Pakistan in all departments of the game. The match, held at a charged venue in Dubai, saw India register a comprehensive seven-wicket victory with 25 balls to spare. On a day when cricket met patriotism, birthday boy and skipper Suryakumar Yadav orchestrated the chase with an ice-cool unbeaten knock of 47, while the Indian bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s lineup with surgical precision.

India’s Bowling Masterclass Sets the Stage

Pakistan, opting to bat first, faltered early and never recovered from the relentless pressure imposed by India’s bowling attack. The Men in Green could manage only 127 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, a total far below par given the conditions.

India’s bowlers were on point from the outset. Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar maintained a disciplined line in the powerplay, allowing little room for stroke play. However, the real damage was done during the middle overs when India’s spin trio—Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy—came into play.

Kuldeep Yadav: 3/18
Axar Patel: 2/24
Varun Chakaravarthy: 1/19

The wrist-spinner Kuldeep was the standout performer for the second match in a row. His subtle variations in flight and pace left Pakistan’s batters clueless. He picked key wickets at crucial junctures and was well-supported by Axar and Varun, who both maintained the pressure.

Despite some resistance from Fakhar Zaman and a late cameo by Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s innings lacked cohesion. They lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build any meaningful partnerships, ending with a modest 127/9.

Abhishek Sharma’s Powerplay Blitz

India’s reply began with fireworks. Young opener Abhishek Sharma, known for his fearless approach, tore into Pakistan’s bowling in the powerplay. His 31 runs off just 13 deliveries set the tone for the chase. Driving, pulling, and lofting with disdain, Abhishek’s aggression put Pakistan on the defensive from the get-go.

His knock included:

4 boundaries
2 sixes
238.46 strike rate

Although he fell in the fourth over, the early damage was already inflicted. Pakistan’s bowlers, visibly rattled, struggled to contain the flow of runs.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Captain’s Knock on His Birthday

As the crowd sang birthday wishes, Suryakumar Yadav walked to the crease with composure and poise. In what could not have been a more symbolic performance, he crafted a masterclass in controlled T20 chasing. His unbeaten 47 off 37 balls came at a time when India needed calm execution, and he delivered with signature flair.

6 fours
1 six
127.02 strike rate

Partnering with Tilak Varma and later Shivam Dube, Suryakumar anchored the innings without letting the required rate creep up. His ability to pick gaps, rotate strike, and pounce on loose deliveries meant India was always ahead in the contest.

Shivam Dube (10* off 8) provided solid support at the end, as the duo took India home in 15.5 overs.

No Handshakes: A Political Undertone to a Sporting Clash

Beyond the cricket, the match bore the weight of real-world events. The absence of post-match handshakes sparked immediate attention. After India hit the winning runs, the Indian players, including Suryakumar and Dube, made a beeline for the dressing room, bypassing the customary gesture of sportsmanship.

The move, while controversial, was deliberate. Sources within the Indian team confirmed that it was a stance aligned with the sentiments stemming from the recent Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 Indian citizens lost their lives. Emotions ran high even before the match began, as the captains had notably avoided shaking hands at the toss.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Emotional Tribute

Speaking at the post-match presentation, an emotional Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and hailed the efforts of the Indian Armed Forces. His words struck a chord with fans and added a layer of patriotism to India’s victory.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of the 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.”

These sentiments reflected the team’s decision to skip the handshake, symbolizing national solidarity over customary diplomacy.

The Birthday Gift to a Nation

When commentator Sanjay Manjrekar wished Suryakumar a happy 35th birthday during the presentation, the Indian skipper smiled and responded:

“It feels great to win on a day like this. Playing against Pakistan always carries extra meaning, and this victory is my return gift to India.”

That one line went viral across social media, cementing Suryakumar’s stature not just as a captain but as a symbol of cricketing leadership and national pride.

The Aftermath: Reactions & Social Buzz

The cricket world quickly divided. While some criticized India’s refusal to engage in the post-match handshake as unsportsmanlike, others lauded the gesture as a principled stand. Hashtags like #WithTheForces, #OperationSindoor, and #SKYOnDuty began trending across platforms.

Cricket pundits, political analysts, and former players weighed in:

Sunil Gavaskar: “Cricket mirrors the nation’s pulse. Today wasn’t just a match, it was a message.”
Shoaib Akhtar: “Disappointed with the lack of handshake, but one has to respect the sentiment.”
Harbhajan Singh: “Proud of the boys. Sometimes, cricket goes beyond boundaries.”

What’s Next for India?

With two straight wins, including emphatic performances against UAE and Pakistan, India have all but sealed their place in the Super Four. The team looks well-balanced, with bowlers in red-hot form and batters showing both aggression and stability.

Suryakumar’s captaincy has drawn praise not only for on-field decisions but also for emotional leadership in trying circumstances. The focus will now shift to maintaining consistency and managing workload ahead of the semis.

A Win Beyond Numbers

This wasn’t just a seven-wicket win. It was a moment of national expression, a show of unity, and a tribute to lives lost in tragic circumstances. On a day when cricket was meant to be the focus, it turned into something far more significant.

India’s performance, driven by skill and sentiment, showcased the essence of modern sport—where talent meets purpose. For Suryakumar Yadav, it was a birthday remembered not for cake or candles, but for courage, conviction, and country.

And for the fans, it was a win that will echo far beyond the boundary ropes.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/