Pakistan may have lost to India in an Asia Cup 2025 match but fans on social media turned the game into comedy gold by reminding Indians of the Rafale jets shot down earlier this year by Pakistan Air Force.
After India’s seven-wicket win in Dubai, Pakistani users joked that cricket doesn’t matter when Pakistan had already won the real battle in May by downing seven Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafales.
The match also turned controversial when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav ignored Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss and avoided the traditional handshake. Later, the entire Indian team left the field without greeting their rivals, sparking outrage among Pakistani fans.
One user wrote, “The Indian team didn’t shake hands after the match because they are still upset about their Rafales being shot down.” Another said, “Khair, our national sport is Rafale girana.”
“The real scorecard is Pakistan 6 – India 0,” one social media user posted, while another commented, “Dear Indians, no matter how many wickets you take, we will always bring down your Rafales.”
Some went further with the jokes. “India nai toh Rafale se bhi giri hui harkat kardi,” one user wrote. Another teased, “You must also dedicate this win to the fallen Rafale jets.” One more added, “Not shaking hands after the match won’t bring your Rafales back.”
TV host Waqar Zaka also joined in, telling fans not to worry about the cricket loss because “our real job is to shoot down Rafales, not to play cricket.”
Meanwhile, on the field, India controlled the game. Pakistan scored 127 for 9 in 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan making 40 and Shaheen Afridi hitting a quick 33. Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets for India. In reply, India chased down the target in 15.5 overs, led by Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who both scored 31.
Pakistan must now beat UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage, while India remain unbeaten with two wins against Oman and Pakistan.