Famous India vs Pakistan moment: When Sunil Gavaskar put his foot on the coin toss
NEW DELHI: The toss before India’s match against Pakistan is always special. But one throw from 1984 was memorable for an entirely different reason.On 13 April 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 center of a jolly moment before the match. As the toss took place, Gavaskar jokingly placed his foot on the coin, creating a candid moment between the two captains.The match was part of the first-ever Asia Cup that featured only three teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India 188/4 in 46 overs
India won the toss and elected to bat first, scoring 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 remained unbeaten on 36 off 55 balls. Ghulam Parkar scored 22 while Dilip Vengsarkar scored 14.Pakistan bowlers took four wickets which included Shahid Mahboob, Mudassar Nazar and Sarfraz Nawaz.
Pakistan collapse in the chase
Pakistan’s chase never picked up steam. They were bowled out for 134 in 39.4 overs.Mohsin Khan top scored with 35, Zaheer Abbas with 27. Qasim Umar scored 16 and Saleem Malik with 15 but Pakistan lost wickets regularly.Indian bowlers played a big 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, giving India a big win.
India won the first Asia Cup
India won the first Asia Cup title. The 1984 tournament had only three teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India lead the race for the Asia Cup title
India have since become the most successful team in Asia Cup history based on the title record provided. India have won the tournament a 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 as runners-up four times, while Afghanistan’s best result is participation in the Super Four.
Asia Cup: Title winners
- India: 9 titles
- Sri Lanka: 6 titles
- Pakistan: 2 titles
- Bangladesh: 4 runner-up spots
- 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