'Doing things for social media': Ex-Pak player slams Ayub for Sooryavanshi send-off

India vs Pakistan Asian Games gold medal match (Screengrabs)

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games men’s cricket final on Saturday, but the match was much closer than the final score suggests. Pakistan, led by Sahibzada Farhan, pushed India hard, with Hasan Nawaz scoring 96.India eventually held its nerve in the final overs through Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube to retain the gold medal.

The match also saw controversy when Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub dismissed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 15 off nine balls.After taking the wicket, Ayub appeared to make a ‘baby cradle’ gesture, which was seen as a send-off directed at the young Indian batter. Sooryavanshi did not react and simply returned to the dugout.

Kamran Akmal criticises Saim Ayub

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal criticised Ayub’s celebration during a discussion on the ‘Game Plan’ YouTube show.The presenter questioned the gesture and said, “Did you see that action? How unfortunate is that? You are playing such good cricket. You are giving India competition after such a long time. These things don't look good.”

Akmal agreed with the criticism and said, “These things have been happening for a long time. Our performance hasn't been great, but we are doing things for social media. The management should think about this.

It's international cricket. No matter whether he is 13, 14 or 15, he's playing international cricket. Saim Ayub is not a kid. He should focus on his performances.”

Sooryavanshi made a quick start

Sooryavanshi had started aggressively, hitting Saad Masood for two sixes in the second over. However, his attempt to play a reverse sweep against Ayub ended his innings.India posted 211/6, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61, Tilak Varma making an unbeaten 51 and Shivam Dube contributing 27. Pakistan fought back through Hasan Nawaz and Ayub, but India pulled away in the final two overs.Dube played a key role as India secured a 19-run victory and successfully defended its Asian Games title.