Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav has dismissed the idea of an India vs Pakistan rivalry after his team’s convincing win in the Asia Cup clash on Sunday. The victory marked India’s seventh consecutive triumph over Pakistan in men’s internationals since their last defeat in Dubai in 2022.
Speaking after the match, Suryakumar said the contest no longer qualifies as a true rivalry. “I feel you should stop asking this question on rivalry,” he remarked. “If two teams play 15 or 20 matches and the record is 7-7 or 8-7, that is rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1… I don’t know the exact stats, but this is not a rivalry anymore. We just played better cricket.”
India’s bowlers turned the game around after Pakistan’s strong start of 91 for 1 in 10 overs. Suryakumar identified the first drinks break as the turning point, crediting the spinners and Shivam Dube for shifting momentum. Dube delivered his full quota of overs for only the third time in his T20I career, taking 2 for 33. His wickets of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan proved crucial as Pakistan managed only 38 runs between overs 10 and 17.
Despite an expensive outing for Jasprit Bumrah, who gave away 45 runs in his four overs, Dube’s breakthroughs gave India control. Suryakumar praised his teammate’s preparation, saying Dube worked hard in the nets and had clear plans for the match.
On the batting front, Abhishek Sharma’s 74 off 39 balls and Shubman Gill’s quick 47 off 28 guided India to a six-wicket victory after Pakistan set the target. India’s consistent dominance over Pakistan has now fueled debate over whether the contest should still be seen as one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
