The beginning of cricket’s fiercest rivalry on Asia’s biggest stage
Few rivalries in sport stir the soul quite like the IND-PAK clash. The Asia Cup has
hosted this contest 19 times across different formats, with India leading the head-to-head 10–6, while three matches ended without a result. Yet, despite decades of drama, the inaugural chapter of this rivalry took place at Sharjah on April 13, 1984, when India and PAK first clashed in the Asia Cup.
That encounter — played under a blazing desert sun before a crowd full of expatriate fans — became the seed from which one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries in multilateral tournaments would grow.
A fresh tournament, a new stage
The Rothmans Asia Cup of 1984 marked Asia’s first continental tournament, held at Sharjah’s newly built cricket ground. It included India, PAK, and Sri Lanka in a round-robin format.
India, led by Sunil Gavaskar, had already beaten Sri Lanka and entered the match against PAK feeling confident. For PAK, captained by Zaheer Abbas, the game carried symbolic significance — not just about points, but about early dominance in Asian cricket.
India’s innings: Solidity over flamboyance
Opting for substance on a sluggish pitch, India posted 188 for 4 in their allotted 46 overs. Surinder Khanna, the wicketkeeper-batter, top-scored with 56 off 72 balls, demonstrating measured aggression with three boundaries and two sixes. Sandeep Patil contributed 43 at a brisk strike rate of 86, his clean hitting piercing the infield, while Gavaskar anchored the innings with a captain’s knock of 36 not out from 55 balls.
Credit: @ICC
PAK’s bowlers, though disciplined at times, lacked penetration. Shahid Mahboob’s figures of 1 for 23 from 10 overs exemplified accuracy but lacked bite. Sarfraz Nawaz, the master of reverse swing, took a single wicket. The legendary Abdul Qadir, usually a source of guile, was ineffective, conceding 36 from his 10 overs without a breakthrough.
PAK’s chase: Undone by discipline
Chasing 189, PAK started promisingly as Mohsin Khan ground his way to 35 off 65 balls. Zaheer Abbas, as elegant as ever, scored 27, while Mudassar Nazar attempted to hold firm with 18. However, the innings faltered against India’s control and sharp fielding. Four PAK batters were run out — a testament to India’s alertness — and the others fell to sustained pressure.
Credit: ESPN
Roger Binny stood out as the best bowler, taking 3 for 33 in 9.4 overs. Ravi Shastri, bowling with consistent accuracy, contributed with 3 for 40 from his full quota. Together, they dismantled the middle and lower order, PAK collapsing from 125 for 5 to 134 all out in the 40th over.
Credit: Sports 360
India’s victory margin — 54 runs — was emphatic. Khanna’s efforts with bat and gloves earned him Player of the Match, highlighting how India’s depth had surpassed PAK’s flair.
A victory etched in memory
India’s 54-run win not only sealed the match but also clinched the inaugural Asia Cup title. With two wins from two matches, they topped the table with eight points. Surinder Khanna, for his runs and sharp wicketkeeping — including two stumpings — was rightly named Player of the Match. This memorable victory set the stage for what was to come.
Credit: Business Standard
That evening in Sharjah laid the foundation for a tournament that would become a stage for continental pride. More importantly, it cemented the IND–PAK rivalry within the Asia Cup, establishing a contest that continues to captivate and define the tournament to this day.
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