Kamal Ghorui
A warm hug between Rohit Sharma and Wasim Akram stole the spotlight in Colombo — and it came amid the ongoing no-handshake row between India and Pakistan. As the two icons embraced and shared a laugh before Sunday’s high-voltage clash, the moment quickly went viral, standing in sharp contrast to the frostiness that has defined on-field protocol between the two teams.Rohit was present at the venue in his capacity as a brand ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter, he spent time around the Indian camp, exchanging smiles, hugs and handshakes with players and members of the support staff. The former captain appeared relaxed, soaking in the build-up to cricket’s biggest rivalry while offering encouragement before the big night.
The highlight, however, was his interaction with Akram. The Indian great and the Pakistan pace legend had the ceremonial duty of walking out with the T20 World Cup trophy. Before stepping onto the field at the R Premadasa Stadium, the two chatted briefly, posed for photographs and embraced warmly — a gesture that triggered mixed reactions online.The hug was particularly striking because it unfolded against the backdrop of India’s continued no-handshake stance with the Pakistan team. At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav once again refrained from the customary greeting with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, in line with the approach the Indian side has maintained since the Asia Cup. While the policy has been a talking point in recent meetings, Rohit and Akram’s exchange offered a reminder that respect between players transcends contemporary tensions.Amid the charged atmosphere and packed stands bracing for another fierce chapter in the rivalry, the embrace provided a softer image — two legends from opposite sides of the border united by their shared history in the game.Once the match began, though, the warmth gave way to ruthless efficiency from the defending champions. India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs in their Group A encounter, a result that sealed their progression to the Super Eights.HOW INDIA TROUNCED PAKISTANIshan Kishan’s explosive 77 set the platform as India posted 175. The target of 176 always looked steep under pressure, and India’s bowlers ensured it remained that way.Hardik Pandya set the tone with a wicket-maiden opening over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a four-ball duck after inducing a mistimed pull. Jasprit Bumrah then struck twice in quick succession — first deceiving Saim Ayub with a sharp inswinger and then removing Salman Agha with a tame chip to mid-on. At 13/3 inside two overs, Pakistan’s chase was already in tatters.Babar Azam’s dismissal soon after left Pakistan reeling at 34/4. Usman Khan attempted to mount resistance with an enterprising 44, striking boundaries to briefly lift spirits. However, the required rate kept climbing, and India’s spinners tightened the screws.Kuldeep Yadav delivered a crucial, economical spell that built pressure before Axar Patel produced the breakthrough, stumping Usman just as he threatened to rebuild. From there, wickets fell in a procession. Kuldeep removed Mohammad Nawaz, Tilak Varma struck with his very first ball to dismiss Shadab Khan, and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with two scalps.Pandya eventually knocked back Usman Tariq’s middle stump to wrap up proceedings as Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs — their third-lowest total in T20 World Cup history.
