Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf grabbed headlines not only for his fiery bowling but also for his cheeky gestures against India during the Asia Cup match played between the two arch-rivals on Sunday.

 

 However, it was his match-winning impact against Bangladesh that secured Pakistan’s place in a historic Asia Cup final against India, fueling fans’ calls for “revenge.”

 

 

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 11 runs in a thrilling Super Four clash on Thursday, booking a spot in the final on September 28. Remarkably, this will be the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that Pakistan and India meet in an Asia Cup title decider.

 

The victory quickly shifted attention to the upcoming blockbuster final, with fans eager to see Pakistan avenge their Group-stage and Super Four defeats to India.

 

A viral video showed Rauf, who picked up a crucial wicket against Bangladesh, interacting with supporters. In the clip, fans passionately urged the team to not only win the trophy but also settle scores with India.

 

“This is from all of us,” one impassioned fan told the pacer. “Please, you have to win this time. Do not spare them,” they added, openly demanding payback.

 

Rauf, meanwhile, found himself at the center of controversy during the earlier Super Four clash against India. His wicket celebrations, running with arms outstretched as if a plane were falling, and a “6-0” hand gesture directed at Indian fans, drew international attention. According to The Times of India and other outlets, the gestures were linked to military references, sparking criticism and further stoking tensions ahead of the final showdown.

 

Pakistan, a two-time Asia Cup champion, will face eight-time winner India in what promises to be a high-stakes, emotionally charged final on September 28.