Tensions were palpable even before the first ball was bowled in the high-octane Group A encounter between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
In a telling moment, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha notably did not shake hands during the toss.
There was no eye contact, no customary handshake, just a brisk coin spin and formal announcements. The awkward exchange (or lack thereof) came amid heightened political strain between the two nations, particularly in the wake of the in April 2025, where 26 civilians lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amid this charged backdrop, Salman won the toss and chose to bat first. Both sides fielded unchanged lineups for what was billed as one of the most crucial matches of the tournament. This fixture also marked the second meeting between the two sides in 2025, following their Champions Trophy clash earlier this year, where India successfully chased down 242 thanks to a masterclass century from Virat Kohli.
As the match got underway, India struck early. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya delivered fiery opening spells, removing Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub within the first two overs. Pakistan were reeling at 9/2, but the experienced Fakhar Zaman and the aggressive Sahibzada Farhan launched a counteroffensive. Together, they steadied the innings, finding the boundary regularly during the Powerplay and rebuilding with intent.
However, just as the partnership started to look threatening, Axar Patel was introduced into the attack, and made an immediate impact. The left-arm spinner broke the stand in his very first over, removing Fakhar Zaman for 17 off 15 balls with a smartly flighted delivery. In his next over, he delivered a huge blow by dismissing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who never looked settled at the crease and fell cheaply for 3 off 12 deliveries.
By the eighth over, Pakistan were reduced to 45/3, and their middle order was under immense pressure. Axar’s spell proved to be the turning point of the first innings, as his precision and control halted Pakistan’s momentum. At the 10-over mark, Pakistan stood at 49/4, with India clearly dominating the contest.