Abhishek Sharma smacked five sixes as India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by six wickets at the Asia Cup and there still no handshakes before or after the game.

India is the designated host of the eight-nation tournament, but games are being played in the UAE because the two teams don’t play on each other’s territory.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav previously said that the team was aligned with the BCCI and government instructions that players wouldn’t shake hands with Pakistan players.

READ MORE: ‘Definitely not’: Hird denies involvement in Bombers drama

READ MORE: Piastri crashes out in first lap during ‘nightmare’ grand prix

READ MORE: Epic scenes as 150kg giant produces final-second winner

Tilak Varma and Shaheen Shah Afridi Getty

There was no handshake between Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha ahead of the game on Sunday night (AEST).

Pakistan’s mid-week game against the UAE had been delayed by an hour in the fallout over Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players at the toss and after their group match on September 14.

Pakistan proceeded to play UAE after claiming match referee Andy Pycroft had apologized for the “miscommunication” at the game against India.

Pycroft was again the ICC’s appointed match referee for Sunday’s Super Four match.

Sharma’s half-century — including a six off the first ball — led India’s successful chase as vice captain Shubman Gill hit 47 runs off 28 balls. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson then helped finish off the chase as India scored 4-174 in 18.5 overs.

Haris Rauf was in the thick of the drama on the field and at one stage mocked rival fans with a hand gesture, prompting a fiery response from Indian players.

Haris Rauf speaks with Abhishek Sharma Twitter

Tempers also flared when Shubman Gill and Shaheen Afridi exchanged simmering glances after the batter hit the pace bowler for a boundary.

“Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to us without any reason, I did not like it at all,” Abhishek said after being named player of the match.

“That’s why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team.”

During the post-match press conference, Yadav questioned whether the long-standing history between the two sides could even be labelled as a rivalry anymore.

“You guys should stop asking questions about the rivalry,” he said.

“According to me, if two teams play 15-20 matches and if it is even, then it is a rivalry.

“10-0, 10-1, I don’t know what the stat is, but this is not a rivalry anymore.”

India captain Suryakumar Yadav Getty

Pakistan scored 5-171 from their 20 overs as opener Sahibzada Farhan led the way with 58 off 45 before the innings lost momentum in the middle overs.

Faheem Ashraf’s 20 not out helped Pakistan finish with a par score, but it quickly appeared to be not enough as Sharma went on the attack.

It was the second encounter at this Asia Cup between the two teams – India had beaten Pakistan in Group A a week ago by seven wickets.

Pakistan next play Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Four game in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday.