In a final that embodied everything great about India–Pakistan, the Men in Blue survived a collapse to claim their ninth Asia Cup title with a pulsating five-wicket victory at Dubai International Stadium, completing an unbeaten tournament campaign.
Pakistan’s aggressive start through Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) promised a substantial total as their 84-run opening partnership flourished under the Dubai lights. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s devastating spell of 4/30 triggered one of cricket’s most spectacular collapses. From a commanding 84/0, Pakistan lost nine wickets quickly crashing to 146 all out as India’s spin trio ran riot.
The chase seemed straightforward until Faheem Ashraf struck twice in the powerplay, leaving India reeling with their big guns – Gill, Suryakumar, and Abhishek – already dismissed. Enter Tilak Varma, whose ice-cool 69 not out proved the difference between triumph and disaster.
Varma’s innings was a study in calculated aggression. Initially content to rotate strike while partnering Sanju Samson through the rebuilding phase, he shifted gears seamlessly alongside Shivam Dube, whose explosive 33 off 22 balls turned the momentum decisively.
The finale still required nerves of steel. With 10 needed off the last over, Varma smashed a crucial six before Rinku Singh hammered the winning boundary, sparking celebrations as India maintained their perfect record and clinched the title.
Source: Asian Cricket Council
