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The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 grabbed global attention even before a ball was bowled, but not entirely for cricketing reasons. During the toss of their crucial Super Six match on Sunday, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre appeared to avoid a customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf, a moment that has since gone viral across social media platforms.
Ayush Mhatre avoids handshake with Farhan Yousaf
The incident occurred shortly after the coin toss, which Pakistan won and chose to field first. As Mhatre completed the formalities of the toss, viewers noticed that he walked away without engaging in the customary handshake with his opposite number. Within minutes, clips of the moment began circulating online, sparking intense debate among fans.
While the clip has divided opinions, this is not an isolated occurrence in recent India-Pakistan matches. Over the past few months, similar scenes have unfolded across multiple levels of the game. Whether in men’s internationals, women’s cricket, or age-group tournaments, captains from both nations have often refrained from handshakes at the toss, reflecting the complex political and emotional backdrop that accompanies contests between the two arch-rivals.
Here’s the video:
Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf wins the toss & Pakistan will field first!
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Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya included in India A squad for warm-up matches
India recover after early setback
When it comes to the contest, after winning the toss, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first proved effective early on, as India stumbled to 47 for 3, struggling against disciplined bowling and movement with the new ball. At a time when the innings threatened to unravel, Vedant Trivedi stepped up with a composed and responsible knock. Displaying maturity beyond his years, Trivedi absorbed pressure, rotated the strike efficiently, and punished loose deliveries to steady the Indian innings.
Despite losing two more wickets during the middle phase, India managed to regain some control thanks to Trivedi’s resilience. The right-hander brought up a vital half-century, anchoring the innings as India crossed the 160-run mark in 35 overs. With the match still in progress, his knock has already emerged as a potential turning point in a contest defined as much by off-field narratives as on-field performances.
