Weekly Roundup: India Crush Pakistan in Dubai Showdown: Kuldeep Spins Web in Asia Cup 2025

India outclassed Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, winning by seven wickets. Pakistan, batting first, struggled badly and could only post 127/9 in their 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan’s 40 and Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo of 33* the only bright spots. India’s bowlers were relentless—Kuldeep Yadav spun a web with figures of 3/18, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah tightened the screws in the middle overs. Pakistan’s batting collapse meant they never built momentum, leaving their total well short of a fighting score.

In reply, India chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, reaching 131/3 with ease. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, supported by handy contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who both scored 31. The chase was calm and clinical, reflecting India’s composure in high-pressure matches. Kuldeep Yadav was deservedly named Man of the Match for his decisive bowling spell. While the contest carried huge hype, Pakistan’s collapse made the game one-sided, sparking criticism about the lack of fight in their batting.

Handshake Snub Sparks Debate

The Pakistan–India rivalry in Asia Cup 2025 has ignited fresh drama after players were seen avoiding handshakes at the end of their high-voltage clash. What is normally a simple act of sportsmanship has turned into a talking point, with critics calling it a sign of unnecessary hostility. Former players from both sides have urged the teams to uphold the spirit of cricket, warning against letting emotions cross the line. Fans, however, remain divided—some defending the move as passion, others calling it disrespect.

Rivalry Overshadowing Sportsmanship

Social media platforms are buzzing with heated arguments as the “handshake saga” trends worldwide. While the match itself delivered thrilling cricket, the post-game snub has drawn as much attention as the on-field action. Tournament organizers are monitoring closely, concerned that such incidents could overshadow the competition’s spirit. Many believe gestures like these only add fuel to an already fiery rivalry, amplifying tension on and off the pitch. For now, the controversy has added another chapter to the Pakistan–India cricket story.

Rain Rules the Day: SA vs ENG Decider Ends in Frustrating Stalemate

The much-anticipated 3rd T20I between South Africa and England ended in disappointment as rain washed out play without a single ball being bowled. Fans packed into the stadium with hopes of a decider but were left frustrated by the weather’s intrusion. With the abandonment, the series once again ended in a draw, continuing a pattern where neither side has managed to pull ahead. Both teams had shown flashes of brilliance in the earlier games, raising expectations for a thrilling finale. Instead, the elements dictated the outcome, leaving unanswered questions about superiority. For now, the rivalry remains perfectly balanced, awaiting another chapter.