Following the win on Sunday, September 21, the Indian skipper took a sharp dig at Pakistan, stating that the much-hyped India-Pakistan rivalry has lost its edge because of India’s dominant head-to-head record in T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav: Electing to bowl first, India restricted Pakistan to 171/5. Sahibzada Farhan gave Pakistan a flying start with a brisk 58, but the Indian bowlers regained control in the latter half to prevent a bigger total.
In reply, India’s openers Abhishek Sharma (74) and Shubman Gill (47) stitched together a 105-run stand, laying the perfect foundation. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 30 ensured India comfortably chased down the target in just 18.5 overs.
India vs Pakistan No Longer a Rivalry: Suryakumar Yadav
“I think this question about rivalry should stop. A rivalry is when two teams play 15–20 matches and the head-to-head is close—like 7-7 or 8-7. But when it’s 13-0 or 10-1, whatever the numbers are, it can’t be called a rivalry. We’ve simply played better cricket than them,” he said.
Although dismissed for a duck, Suryakumar Yadav credited Shivam Dube’s bowling as the game’s turning point. Dube picked up two key wickets—Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub—conceding 33 runs in his four-over spell.
“In my view, the momentum shifted after the first drinks break. Usually, the game changes after the powerplay, but today it turned after ten overs. The bowlers adjusted their lines and lengths, showed more energy, and the spinners did well. Dube’s spell, in particular, was crucial,” Suryakumar Yadav explained.
With the win, India moved to the top of the Super Four points table with two points. Their next challenge will be against Bangladesh on September 24 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
