When India and PAK turned Dambulla into a pressure cooker
A few moments in cricket capture the raw intensity of an IND-PAK clash. Every ball feels like a political statement, every stroke a test of nerve. On June 19, 2010, at Dambulla, during the Asia Cup group stage, this rivalry produced one of its most dramatic episodes—not just a thrilling last-over finish, but a fiery confrontation between India's Harbhajan Singh and PAK’s Shoaib Akhtar.
PAK, batting first, posted a solid total of 267 in 49.3 overs. Salman Butt anchored the innings with a patient 74 off 85 balls, while Kamran Akmal provided late impetus with an unbeaten 51 off 41 deliveries. Praveen Kumar’s 3 for 53 was India’s most effective bowling effort, though Sri Lanka’s sluggish pitch demanded hard work from every bowler.
Credit: ESPN
India’s reply started confidently. Gautam Gambhir’s fluent 83 off 97 balls anchored the chase, while MS Dhoni scored a run-a-ball 56. However, PAK continued to take wickets at intervals, dragging the game into the final stages. At 219 for 6 in the 42nd over, the chase looked precarious. Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal for 20 left India needing 49 from 29 balls—a nerve-wracking situation against a disciplined PAK attack.
Suresh Raina, batting with his usual calm, reduced the target steadily. But the real drama unfolded in the 49th over, bowled by Shoaib Akhtar. Raina smashed him for a six before quick singles made the chase tighter.
When Harbhajan Singh faced the final ball of the over, Akhtar bowled a sharp bouncer. Harbhajan mistimed his pull shot, and Shoaib charged down the pitch, staring and hurling verbal insults. Harbhajan, never one to back down, responded with equal intensity, prompting umpire Billy Doctrove to intervene.
Credit: Circle of Cricket
That fiery exchange made the match personal. India needed seven runs from the final over, with Mohammad Amir given the ball.
The final act was worthy of the script. Raina was run out for 34, leaving Harbhajan on strike with three runs needed from two balls. On Amir’s penultimate delivery, Harbhajan swung with pure conviction, sending the ball soaring over mid-wicket for six. India secured victory by three wickets with one ball to spare, reaching 271 for 7 in 49.5 overs.
Credit: ESPN
Harbhajan’s celebration was primal—helmet off, arms raised, a roar straight towards Shoaib Akhtar stationed at third man. It was a moment loaded with symbolism: the bowler who had challenged his pride was forced to watch as Harbhajan delivered the killer blow. Shoaib responded with a terse V-sign and turned away, but the images had already been etched into cricket’s memory.
Beyond just runs and wickets, this game was really about emotion, pride, and the intense mental battle that makes IND–PAK cricket so special. Harbhajan’s last impressive move wasn't just about winning—it was a bold statement of spirit. The tense stand-off with Akhtar turned a simple group-stage game into a memorable showdown.
Credit: ESPN
As India and PAK gear up to face off again in the 2025 Asia Cup on September 14 in Dubai, the memories of that Dambulla night remind us why these matches are so much more than just games—they're legendary stories played out on the biggest emotional stage.
