The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match between India and Pakistan was filled with drama. Salman Ali Agha`s team actively tried to unsettle their opponents with various on-field antics. Whether it was Haris Rauf`s unsportsmanlike gestures or Sahibzada Farhan`s exuberant celebration after scoring a fifty, Pakistani players gave India plenty to think about. However, the Indian athletes, especially Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, decided to respond to Pakistan on the field with their bats, thus bringing India closer to the Asia Cup final.
After the game, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts on the Pakistani players. He stated that Pakistan would have won only if the match`s outcome was decided by words, not actual performances.
“If words were to win in cricket, they probably would have won,” commented on the game on Sports Today. “But it was a battle of bat and ball, and here, I believe, India significantly outperformed Pakistan.”
Singh specifically noted the difficulties faced by Pakistan`s opening bowlers — Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi — against the duo of Abhishek and Shubman, who relentlessly attacked them during the powerplay.
“Their experienced bowlers, such as Haris or Shaheen Shah Afridi, conceded many runs. They couldn`t take a single wicket in the first six overs, even though they are the most experienced players,” explained. “So, if your experienced players are only shouting and talking, but cannot deliver with either bat or ball, you will get the results they are receiving.”
Indian batsmen Abhishek and Shubman posted messages on social media, explaining that their response to Pakistan`s provocations was their performance with the bat.
Although Harbhajan was disappointed by the Pakistani players` behavior on the field, he emphasized that India prefers to respond only with its game.
“Let them talk; we will respond with the bat and ball, and we will give the best answer when it is required,” he concluded.
