Amid no-handshake row, Rohit Sharma's hug with Wasim Akram goes viral in Colombo - watch

A lukewarm hug betwixt Rohit Sharma and Wasim Akram stole the spotlight successful Colombo — and it came amid the ongoing no-handshake enactment betwixt India and Pakistan. As the 2 icons embraced and shared a laughter earlier Sunday’s high-voltage clash, the infinitesimal rapidly went viral, lasting successful crisp opposition to the frostiness that has defined on-field protocol betwixt the 2 teams.Rohit was contiguous astatine the venue successful his capableness arsenic a marque ambassador for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan encounter, helium spent clip astir the Indian camp, exchanging smiles, hugs and handshakes with players and members of the enactment staff. The erstwhile skipper appeared relaxed, soaking successful the build-up to cricket’s biggest rivalry portion offering encouragement earlier the large night.

The highlight, however, was his enactment with Akram. The Indian large and the Pakistan gait fable had the ceremonial work of walking retired with the T20 World Cup trophy. Before stepping onto the tract astatine the R Premadasa Stadium, the 2 chatted briefly, posed for photographs and embraced warmly — a motion that triggered mixed reactions online.The hug was peculiarly striking due to the fact that it unfolded against the backdrop of India’s continued no-handshake stance with the Pakistan team. At the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav erstwhile again refrained from the customary greeting with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, successful enactment with the attack the Indian broadside has maintained since the Asia Cup.

While the argumentation has been a talking constituent successful caller meetings, Rohit and Akram’s speech offered a reminder that respect betwixt players transcends modern tensions.Amid the charged ambiance and packed stands bracing for different fierce section successful the rivalry, the clasp provided a softer representation — 2 legends from other sides of the borderline agreed by their shared past successful the game.

Once the lucifer began, though, the warmth gave mode to ruthless ratio from the defending champions.

India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs successful their Group A encounter, a effect that sealed their progression to the Super Eights.HOW INDIA TROUNCED PAKISTANIshan Kishan’s explosive 77 acceptable the level arsenic India posted 175. The people of 176 ever looked steep nether pressure, and India’s bowlers ensured it remained that way.Hardik Pandya acceptable the code with a wicket-maiden opening over, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a four-ball duck aft inducing a mistimed pull.

Jasprit Bumrah past struck doubly successful speedy succession — archetypal deceiving Saim Ayub with a crisp inswinger and past removing Salman Agha with a tame spot to mid-on. At 13/3 wrong 2 overs, Pakistan’s pursuit was already successful tatters.Babar Azam’s dismissal soon aft near Pakistan reeling astatine 34/4. Usman Khan attempted to equine absorption with an enterprising 44, striking boundaries to concisely assistance spirits. However, the required complaint kept climbing, and India’s spinners tightened the screws.Kuldeep Yadav delivered a crucial, economical spell that built unit earlier Axar Patel produced the breakthrough, stumping Usman conscionable arsenic helium threatened to rebuild. From there, wickets fell successful a procession. Kuldeep removed Mohammad Nawaz, Tilak Varma struck with his precise archetypal shot to disregard Shadab Khan, and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped successful with 2 scalps.Pandya yet knocked backmost Usman Tariq’s mediate stump to wrapper up proceedings arsenic Pakistan were bowled retired for 114 successful 18 overs — their third-lowest full successful T20 World Cup history.