The Rauf controversy Asia Cup overshadowed India’s poised six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Super 4 clash in Dubai
Dubai, Sept 22 – India played a measured game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 match, winning by 6 wickets. However, there were points in time during the match that the milestone victory was nearly eclipsed by a melodramatic episode of play by Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf, once he was assigned fielding duty on the boundary line.
Firstly, fans began chanting”Kohli, Kohli,” a nod to Virat Kohli’s memorable sixes off Rauf in the 2022 T20 World Cup, which remain iconic for Indian fans as an example of unparalleled skill and ability to perform in clutch situations. Rather than ignore it, Rauf first began to cup his ear and proceeded to motion a blatant and provocative fighter jet symbol to Indian supporters.
Furthermore, a video appeared the next day of Rauf at practice, where he was heard saying “6-0,” something that most interpreted as an avoidable political comment at a sports match. Some people critiqued his actions as directed toward the after story and away from some of the excitement of the match. Indian players avoided controversy and focused solely on executing their game plan.
On the field, Pakistan started with confidence, forging partnerships that always seemed to flirt with testing the area of pressure from India’s disciplined attack. Jasprit Bumrah, however, hurried down incisive lines, tying up the runs and getting edges. Then, as time progressed, Kuldeep Yadav clamped down control with crafty variations that slowed the internal circulation of runs, frustrating the middle order.
India’s Chase Controlled by Sharma During Rauf Controversy Asia Cup
India restricted Pakistan to a manageable total, holding on to any momentum in their favor starting on their chase. Abhishek Sharma took the helm, starting with scoring 74 off 39 with precision and aggressive timing. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/asia-cup-2025-26-1396660/india-vs-pakistan-super-4-match-1396665/full-scorecard In addition, he scored six fours and five sixes, and an otherwise tense chase became an easy ride.
Sharma and Shubman Gill rotated the strike successfully, breaking up the Pakistani attack’s usual tight lines with lovely gap placements as well. Their partnership made the nerves subside for the obvious, underlying depth of batting and depth of strength on the bench of India. Pakistan’s bowlers tried yorkers, low balls, sweeper balls, etc., but it was Sharma’s simplicity and his intent that wrecked it all.
Indian Team Shows Maturity
In the Indian team’s dressing room, amid all of this, there did not seem to be one iota of panic from anybody. They congratulated all the batters for keeping discipline and their mind in check. The result would be sealed, well, just around the corner.) After the match, the BCCI agents congratulated the entire team overall, for their maturity in their chase and did not care to appreciate or tease out Rauf’s fame, even though they would be prepared to take it to the highest levels of disciplinary action against him. However, match officials have not clarified if they will allow any discipline for the severity of their uncalled-for promises or penalties.
As India prepares to face Bangladesh in another Super 4 match, they enjoy the luxury of a two-day break. Pakistan, on the other hand, needs to regroup quickly ahead of their duel with Sri Lanka, all the while fielding questions and criticism about Rauf’s behavior. In the end, it was the temperament and sportsmanship of India that ensured a sensational and clear result was defined by cricket, not controversy.
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