Asia Cup 2025: "We stand by the victims of the families"- Suryakumar Yadav dedicates victory over Pakistan to Indian Armed Forces and Pahalgam-attack victims

Suryakumar Yadav termed the victory as the best return gift for India on his birthday.

Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s victory over Pakistan in group stage fixture of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. He also termed the victory a perfect return gift for India on his 35th birthday.

The Men in Blue defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the match to register their second win of the tournament. Opting to bat first, Pakistan piled up 127/9 in the first innings. Key batters like Saim Ayub (0), Mohammad Haris (3), Salman Agha (3), and Hasan Nawaz (5) got out for single digits. Sahibzada Farhan scored a patient knock of 40 runs off 44 balls.

In the end, pacer Shaheen Afridi added quickfire 33 runs off 16 balls to power the scoreboard to 127/9. Kuldeep Yadav picked three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel clinched two wickets each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting.

During the chase, opener Abhishek Sharma gave a spectacular start to India’s batting, scoring 31 runs off just 13 deliveries. Later, Suryakumar Yadav (47*) and Tilak Varma (31) helped the team to grab an easy victory in 15.5 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav dedicates India’s victory to Pahalgam victims and Indian Armed Forces

Speaking during the post-match presentation, the Indian skipper paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Just wanted to say something. Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces. Hope they continue to inspire us all,” he said.

“Great feeling and a perfect return gift to India. For the whole team, we think it’s just another game. We prepare the same for all the opposition. You definitely want to win it and when you win it, you have it ready. One box that I always wanted to tick – stay there and bat till the end”, he further said.

Recently, many fans urged the Indian team to boycott the clash against Pakistan on social media. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, there has been a public demand to end all cricketing ties with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, India have retained the peak position in the group A points table with four points following their victory against Pakistan. They will clash with Oman in their next match on September 19 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Pakistan will face the UAE in their next match on September 17 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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