NEW DELHI: A toss before an India vs Pakistan match is always special. But one toss from 1984 has remained memorable for a very different reason.On April 13, 1984, India and Pakistan met at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates during the inaugural Asia Cup.India captain Sunil Gavaskar and Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas were at the centre of a light-hearted moment before the match. As the toss took place, Gavaskar jokingly put his foot over the coin, creating a candid moment between the two captains.The match was part of the first-ever Asia Cup, which featured only three teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India 188/4 in 46 overs
India won the toss and decided to bat first and scored 188/4 in 46 overs. Surinder Khanna was India’s top scorer with 56 off 72 balls. Sandeep Patil added 43 off 50 balls. Gavaskar stayed unbeaten on 36 off 55 balls. Ghulam Parkar scored 22, while Dilip Vengsarkar made 14.Pakistan’s bowlers picked up four wickets, with Shahid Mahboob, Mudassar Nazar and Sarfraz Nawaz among those to take wickets.
Pakistan collapse in the chase
Pakistan’s chase never gathered momentum. They were bowled out for 134 in 39.4 overs.Mohsin Khan top-scored with 35, while Zaheer Abbas made 27. Qasim Umar scored 16 and Saleem Malik made 15, but Pakistan lost wickets regularly.India’s bowlers played a major role in the collapse.Roger Binny and Ravi Shastri took three wickets each. Binny finished with 3/33, while Shastri returned figures of 3/40.Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 134, handing India a big victory.
India win the first Asia Cup
India went on to win the first Asia Cup title. The 1984 tournament had just three teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India lead the Asia Cup title race
India have since become the most successful team in Asia Cup history based on the title record provided. India have won the tournament record nine times – 1984, 1988, 1990-91, 1995, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2025.Sri Lanka have won the Asia Cup six times, while Pakistan have two titles.Bangladesh have finished runners-up four times, while Afghanistan’s best result is a Super Four appearance.
Asia Cup: Title winners
- India: 9 titles
- Sri Lanka: 6 titles
- Pakistan: 2 titles
- Bangladesh: 4 runners-up finishes
- Afghanistan: Best result – Super Four
- Hong Kong: Best result – Group Stage
- United Arab Emirates: Best result – Group Stage
- Nepal: Best result – Group Stage
- Oman: Best result – Group Stage
