India began their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on Saturday in Pallekele, in what turned out to be a rain-affected encounter. After two separate rain breaks in the first innings, the Men in Blue managed to score 266 thanks to half-centuries from Ishan Kishan (82) and Hardik Pandya (87).
MORE: Bet on Asia Cup 2023 and other cricket matches from India!
The second innings was eventually abandoned due to incessant rain during the innings break, with each side gaining a point apiece. This secured Pakistan's place in the Super Four stages of the tournament.
MORE: 'Lukkha players' - Kamal R Khan lashes out at Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The breaks provided ample opportunity for viewers to see the camaraderie between the Indian and Pakistan players, and former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad urged fans to show the same spirit.
"Indians go crazy if they lose to Pakistan" - Javed Miandad
On the programme Josh Jaga Dey, when asked about the rivalry between India and Pakistan Miandad felt that people should take cricket matches in a sporting spirit.
Miandad, a veteran of many fierce India-Pakistan clashes, felt that Pakistani fans are much better when compared to Indian fans over how they perceive defeats in an India-Pakistan match.
The only solution is for these two teams to have every match end in a tie (laughs). Because of how the people and the public take so much tension over these games, they forget the cricket. But in cricket, winning and losing has to happen.
It happens here in Pakistan also, but not like in India. In India they go crazy [if they lose to Pakistan], burning houses, making it difficult for the players to go out, etc. Here, yes, when Pakistan loses people are disappointed. They may say things, or write in the newspaper. But a sportsman spirit should be there.
MORE: Asia Cup 2023: Can India qualify for the Super Four stage after Pakistan game wash out?
When is Team India's next match?
India will play their second match of the Asia Cup in Pallekele on Monday, 4 September against Nepal. A win will secure their place in the Super Four stage.