Role reversal! How Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Afridi rekindled memories of Aamer Sohail vs Venkatesh Prasad from 1996

During India's Super 4 match against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, Indian opener Shubman Gill and Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi engaged in an intense on-field exchange that drew parallels to the historic 1996 World Cup quarter-final clash between Aamer Sohail and Venkatesh Prasad. The incident unfolded when Gill, who had had a disappointing tournament by his standards, responded to Afridi's challenge with a precisely executed cover drive for four runs.The encounter between Gill and Afridi escalated following a brief verbal exchange, culminating in a brief-but-charged stare-down. The shot, demonstrating Gill's technical prowess, pierced through the field with precise timing.WATCH: Shubman Gill points at the boundary after hitting four vs Shaheen Shah AfridiThe scene immediately transported cricket enthusiasts back to the memorable 1996 World Cup quarter-final confrontation.

During that historic match, Pakistan's Aamer Sohail had struck Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary and proceeded to gesture towards the boundary line with his bat, suggesting his intention to repeat the shot.WATCH: Gill has some words for Afridi after cover drive for fourThe 1996 incident got even more dramatic next ball when Prasad, maintaining his characteristic composure, delivered a decisive ball that dismantled Sohail's off-stump. A charged up India seamer then pointed Sohail towards the pavilion as he ran up towards his teammates to celebrate. This moment has since become an integral part of India-Pakistan cricket folklore.Watch: When Venkatesh Prasad showed Aamer Sohail the doorWhile the recent Gill-Afridi exchange did not conclude with the same dramatic finale as its 1996 predecessor, it effectively showcased the enduring competitive spirit that defines India-Pakistan cricket encounters.