New Delhi, September 29
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya took a jibe at Pakistan on Monday after their defeat against the Indian cricket team in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Operation Sindoor on the games field" remark, Mandaviya wrote on X, "Lost on the border, lost in the field too."
Meanwhile, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the Indian team on its victory and lauded its unbeaten run in the tournament.
"Congratulate Indian Cricket Team on their spectacular win over Pakistan in the nail-biting Asia Cup Final to lift the cup. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament with their all-round performance. May the team continue its winning momentum to bring laurels for the country. Best wishes," Patnaik wrote on X.
The victory greetings poured in after the Indian team lifted the Asia Cup with a five-wicket win against Pakistan in a tense run-chase.
Tilak Varma's clutch knock of 69* in 53 balls and his useful half-century stands with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube helped India to their second T20I Asia Cup title and overall ninth title, including the ODI editions.
India won the toss and elected to field first. An 84-run stand between Sahidzada Farhan (57 in 38 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) and Fakhar Zaman (46 in 35 balls, with two fours and two sixes) gave Pakistan the headstart they needed. However, spinners Kuldeep Yadav (4/30) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/30) managed to pull the momentum back in the middle overs, as Pakistan's batting order collapsed from 113/1 in 12.4 overs to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) also getting the final two wickets.
During the run-chase, India sank to 20/3 after an initial burst from Faheem Ashraf (3/29). However, Tilak Varma (69* in 53 balls, with three fours and four sixes), stitched a 57-run stand with Sanju Samson (24 in 21 balls, with two fours and a six) to bring India back into the game. Shivam Dube (33 in 22 balls, with two fours and two sixes) delivered some carnage with Tilak, solidifying India's hold on the game despite some occasional brilliance from Pakistan. In the end, Rinku Singh hit the winning runs to seal the victory.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I'm thrilled about the win, I wish our Sports Minister would focus more on praising our team's performance rather than making political digs. Let cricket be cricket.
Amazing comeback after being 20/3! The middle order showed incredible character. Kuldeep Yadav's bowling was the game-changer. What a tournament for Team India! 🎉
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 This victory feels extra special against Pakistan. The way our boys handled pressure situations shows why we're the best in the world. Chak De India! 💙
As an expat Indian, watching this match with my friends here in the US was incredible! The energy was electric. So proud of our team's unbeaten run throughout the tournament.
Rinku Singh hitting the winning runs was perfect! The entire team contributed when it mattered. This victory will boost our confidence for upcoming tournaments. Well done, boys! ðŸ‘
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