Zahid Hashmi
Dubai: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a tense Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, securing their record ninth title in the continental tournament.
Chasing 147 for victory, India reached 150/5 with two balls to spare, thanks to a composed unbeaten 69 off 53 balls from left-hander Tilak Varma, who anchored the innings after early setbacks. Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary off Haris Rauf in the final over.
Pakistan, batting first, were restricted to 146 after losing momentum in the middle overs despite Sahibzada Farhan’s fluent 57 off 38 balls. India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), turned the game with key breakthroughs, while Axar Patel (2/26) kept the pressure on.
In reply, India stumbled early at 32/3, with openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill falling cheaply. But Tilak Varma steadied the chase with crucial partnerships — first with Sanju Samson (32) and later with Shivam Dube (33 off 22). The duo added a brisk 64-run stand that shifted momentum in India’s favour.
Pakistan’s bowling hopes rested on Faheem Ashraf (3/29), who kept his side alive with wickets in the death overs, but Rauf’s expensive spell (0/50 in 3.4 overs) ultimately tilted the contest.
Speaking after the win, Tilak Varma credited his calm approach under pressure: “It was about holding my nerve and taking the game deep. I am glad I could finish it for India in a big final.”
The result marks India’s continued dominance in Asia Cup history, reinforcing their stature as the region’s most successful side across formats.
