The highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai delivered not only a six-wicket victory for India but also sparked a significant controversy. Pakistan’s fast bowler, Haris Rauf, found himself at the center of a social media uproar after he was seen making a provocative “6-0” gesture towards Indian fans near the boundary ropes.
A notable visual from the match captured Haris Rauf gesturing towards the Indian spectators, a moment that quickly went viral.
This “6-0” signal, captured in numerous videos and photographs, was interpreted as a reference to Pakistan’s unverified and politically charged claims of having downed six Indian fighter jets during a brief military skirmish following Operation Sindoor. Further escalating tensions during the match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the pacer was also observed mimicking the motion of a crashing plane.
The incident unfolded while Rauf was fielding close to a section of the crowd predominantly composed of Indian supporters. These fans had been chanting “Kohli, Kohli” to provoke him, recalling Virat Kohli’s memorable straight six off Rauf’s bowling during the T20 World Cup 2022. In response, the 31-year-old pacer directed his controversial gesture towards them, triggering loud boos from the Indian contingent and igniting widespread outrage online.
Despite the off-field theatrics, India dominated the cricket. Chasing a target of 172 runs, Abhishek Sharma delivered a blistering performance, hammering 74 runs off just 39 balls, an innings that included six fours and five towering sixes. His impressive 105-run opening partnership with Shubman Gill (47) laid a formidable foundation for the chase. Ultimately, Tilak Varma (30*) and Hardik Pandya (7*) guided India to a comfortable six-wicket victory in 18.5 overs.
Tensions weren’t solely confined to the crowd; on-field exchanges also flared between Rauf and Indian players. In the fifth over, after Shubman Gill hit a crisp boundary, Rauf engaged in heated words with Abhishek Sharma, necessitating the intervention of umpire Gazi Sohel to quickly de-escalate the situation. This episode only served to heighten the already charged atmosphere typical of this intense cricketing rivalry.