After a humiliating loss for Pakistan in a match that never lived up to its blockbuster billing, India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated Sunday’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph to supporters nationwide, while his opposite number, Salman Agha, urged perspective.
The highly anticipated marquee clash between the archrivals did not materialize as India amassed 175/7 before bundling out Pakistan for 114 in 18 overs.
Despite the tensions, the game itself went without any flashpoints, but the opposing captains did not shake hands during the toss. When the coin was flipped, Salman and Suryakumar avoided eye contact and looked grim.
When the captain of India spoke following the game at the R Premadasa Stadium, the mood was entirely different.
“This is for India. We played the same brand of cricket that we wanted to play,” Reuters quoted SKY as saying, sporting a wide grin.
Opener Ishan Kishan was praised by Suryakumar for his quick 77 that helped them win.
“The way Ishan Kishan batted is the same as he did in our previous games and on the domestic circuit. Ishan thought outside the box and took responsibility in the powerplay.”
Given the tensions between the two countries, Kishan, the game’s player of the match, acknowledged that it was more than just another game for them.
“India v Pakistan is a special game for us and our country. It is a very important game. They had good spinners and we tried to play good shots. It gives us confidence going ahead in the tournament,” Kishan said.
Pakistan’s decision to boycott the game in support of Bangladesh, who declined to tour India due to safety concerns and were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team competition, cast doubt on the match.
Even though the match finished in a lopsided affair with India increasing their T20 World Cup record over Pakistan to 8-1, the governing International Cricket Council engaged in intense behind-the-scenes negotiations to salvage the match.
Pakistan captain Salman believed that his side should have performed better even though they were under pressure.
“In these games the emotions are going to be high but we have played enough cricket. We need to get ourselves together and look to the game in a few days’ time. You have to see the big picture. We need to qualify for the Super Eight now,” Salman said.
To advance to the Super Eight, where the bitter rivals can face off again, Pakistan must defeat Namibia in their last group match.
