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On April 13, 1984, Sunil Gavaskar-led India won the first-ever Asia Cup in Sharjah, defeating Pakistan. Surinder Khanna was the Player of the Match. Ravi Shastri was the highest wicket-taker.
On This Day In 1984: The Zaheer Abbas-led side didn’t have an answer to the unrelenting bowling attack of Ravi Shastri and Roger Binny. (Image: ICC/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 1984: On this day 41 years ago, Sunil Gavaskar-led India scripted history by winning the first-ever Asia Cup tournament. Hosted in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the tournament brought together three cricketing powerhouses – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. While the format was a round-robin, the fifty-over event’s final encounter saw the Men in Blue lock horns with their arch-rivals, Pakistan.
The blockbuster fixture was played on April 13, 1984, at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. Surinder Khanna was the Player of the Match for scoring a crucial half-century, paving the way for India’s comfortable victory.
Heading into the game, India had already secured a convincing victory over Sri Lanka. Pakistan, on the other hand, lost to Sri Lanka, which made the final fixture a must-win for the Zaheer Abbas-led side to keep their trophy hopes alive.
The high-octane affair began with India winning the toss and choosing to bat first in Sharjah. The Sunil Gavaskar-led team put up a 188/4 total in 46 overs. Surinder Khanna and Ghulam Parkar put up an unbeaten stand of 54 runs.
Parkar was the first batter to lose his wicket in the epic final, departing at 22 in 55. Dilip Vengsarkar also failed to make a significant impact, losing his wicket to Shahid Mahboob after adding 14 runs.
Sandeep Patil formed a brief partnership with Khanna to anchor India’s innings. The Indian opener later completed a stunning half-century, hitting three fours and two sixes. Gavaskar added an unbeaten 36 runs towards the end of the innings. Pakistan’s Sarfraz Nawaz, Mudassar Nazar and Mahoob finished their spells with a wicket each.
Pakistan’s chase began on a complicated note, with Saadat Ali departing from the crease early. The Zaheer Abbas-led side didn’t have an answer to the unrelenting bowling attack of Ravi Shastri and Roger Binny.
Both Indian stars scalped three wickets each to build constant pressure on their arch-rivals. Mohsin Khan added 35 runs on the board but unfortunately for Pakistan, it went on to become the highest individual score in their innings. Abbas added 27 runs before losing his wicket to Binny.
India also showcased their impeccable fielding skills to dismiss Saadat Ali, Saleem Malik, Shahid Mahboob and Abdul Qadir in run-out affairs. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for just 134 in 39.4 overs.
Ravi Shastri ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. Over four decades later, India have now established themselves as the most successful team in the Asia Cup. They have won the tournament seven times in history.
