IND vs PAK: The Asian Games 2026 gold-medal clash between India and Pakistan witnessed an early moment of drama when Saim Ayub celebrated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wicket with a ‘baby’ gesture.
The celebration quickly grabbed attention during the live broadcast, with the Pakistan all-rounder appearing to direct the gesture towards the teenage Indian batter.
However, there was little time for the moment to settle as Abhishek Sharma responded in emphatic fashion. The Indian opener took aim at Ayub in the very same over, smashing six, six and four to turn the spotlight straight back on Pakistan.
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WATCH: Ayub’s ‘Baby’ Gesture Sparks Attention
The incident came early in India’s innings after captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first. Sooryavanshi, playing alongside Abhishek at the top, had started positively and struck two sixes during his nine-ball innings.
Ayub eventually ended the youngster’s innings when Sooryavanshi attempted a reverse sweep. The ball took the edge and wicketkeeper Usman Khan completed a straightforward catch.
What followed immediately caught the attention of viewers. Ayub performed a baby-cradle celebration, mimicking the act of rocking a baby in his arms. The gesture was picked up by the cameras and quickly became one of the talking points from the opening phase of the India-Pakistan final.
Abhishek’s Six, Six, Four Response
Abhishek, however, provided his answer with the bat rather than through a celebration. With Ayub continuing his over, the Indian opener went after him and produced a stunning sequence of 6, 6, 4.
The three boundaries changed the mood around the contest and underlined Abhishek’s intent. He continued attacking the Pakistan bowlers and brought up his half-century in just 20 balls.
The left-hander eventually departed after making a sensational 61 off 28 balls, with three fours and seven sixes to his name. His aggressive innings gave India the momentum required to post a formidable total.
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India Set Pakistan 212-Run Target
Abhishek’s assault was followed by an important contribution from Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls. Shivam Dube also scored 27 from 15 deliveries as India finished on 211/6 from their 20 overs.
The early exchange between Ayub and the Indian batters added another layer to an already high-pressure gold-medal encounter.
While Ayub’s celebration after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal became a viral talking point, Abhishek’s immediate 6, 6, 4 response ensured that the Indian opener had the final word in that particular passage of play.