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New Delhi: A new controversy flared up after India's six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4s in Dubai on Sunday, when Haris Rauf’s wife took to Instagram and added fuel to the already heated rivalry. The pacer's gesture was already the topic of the town, and now her wife added fuel to the same.
She posted a story of the Pakistan pacer making a “6-0” hand gesture with a caption, “Lost the match but won the battle.” The post quickly spread across social media and invited criticism from fans and pundits alike. The "6-0" gesture, in particular, carried political undertones as it has been linked to Pakistan's claims of shooting down six Indian Rafael fighter jets in response to Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Rauf himself was seen making the hand signal during the match while fielding near the boundary rope. He first imitated the motion of a plane crashing before using his fingers to depict "6-0", which immediately drew reactions given the sensitive backdrop.
While the off-field drama grabbed headlines, the action on the ground was no less intense. India's openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma set the tone early in the chase of 172, putting together a commanding partnership. The duo not only scored fearlessly but also exchanged words with Pakistan bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, which added extra drama to the contest.
The result extended India's unbeaten run in the tournament, leaving them just one win away from sealing a spot in the final. Meanwhile, Pakistan now face must-win encounters against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar appeared visibly disappointed on a show after the defeat against India. He revealed that he had prayed for Pakistan’s victory before the match but was left frustrated once the game ended. “You haven’t played us for the last 10–12 years. You should have faced us in the 90s,” Akhtar remarked.
While he admitted that the current Indian team is strong, he also insisted that “they are no longer as good as before.” Taking a swipe at the media, Akhtar added, “If the rivalry isn’t happening, it’s your media’s loss, not ours.”
As India edges closer to another Asia Cup final, the episode has once again highlighted how the rivalry between the two nations often extends far beyond the boundary ropes.
