India captain Suryakumar Yadav has dismissed the long-held belief that the India vs Pakistan fixture remains a true rivalry, following India's dominant six-wicket victory over their arch-rivals in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup on Sunday in Dubai.
India comfortably chased down the modest target of 172 in just 18.5 overs, with young opener Abhishek Sharma stealing the show with a blistering 74. The win marked yet another lopsided result in recent encounters between the bitter rivals.
"I would like to say one thing on this question. I feel that you should stop asking this question about the rivalry," he said while addressing media.
Notably, India's latest victory over Pakistan reinforced their current superiority in head-to-head clashes.
"Standards and rivalry are the same. According to me, if two teams play 15-20 matches and if it is 7-7 or 8-7, then that is called a rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1…. I don't know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore. But yeah, I feel we played better cricket than them," he said.
Yadav also lavished praise on all-rounder Shivam Dube, who delivered an impressive performance with ball, claiming two wickets from four overs.
"I think he has been working really hard on his bowling in all the practice sessions. And this was the perfect game where he got an opportunity. He always wanted to bowl at least two overs. And today he got to bowl his quota of overs, so he was very happy. And the way he delivered, I think he had very clear plans. That's what I want from the boys, and that's what makes my job easier."