India has successfully defended its continental crown, defeating its arch-rival Pakistan by five
wickets in a thrilling and political final of the Asia Cup 2025 in UAE, Dubai. India clinched a
record-extending moment by winning its ninth Asia Cup title, but it was notably a contest of
fluctuating fortunes, with a sensational, match-winning innings from young batsman Tilak
Varma. The final score saw India chase Pakistan’s target of 147 with two balls remaining, and it
capped off an exceptional tournament filled with all the challenges they faced.
The Spin Web and Pakistan’s Collapse
The final commenced with a steady start from Pakistan batting first on the orders of Suryakumar
Yadav, the Indian captain, with openers Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) setting
a solid foundation and catapulting Pakistan to a sound position of 113 for 1 in the 13th over.
However, the game swung decisively as India’s spinners, led by the wonderful Kuldeep Yadav
came into play. Kuldeep’s brilliant spell made he caned through the middle order, taking 4
wickets in just 30 runs. Joined by Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, India’s spin trio caused a
sensational collapse, with Pakistan losing their last nine wickets for just 33 runs, finishing with
146 in 19.1 overs.
The Varma Factor: Anchoring the Chase
In pursuit of 147 runs, India got off to a terrible start in their innings as the top order collapsed to
Faheem Ashraf’s explosive spell to start off. Star batsmen Abhishek Sharma, captain
Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill all departed cheaply, to leave India struggling at a
shocking 20 for 3. It was at this point that 22-year-old Tilak Varma stood up and played what he
claimed was the “most special knock” of his young career. Varma was composed and confident,
first consolidating with a solid partnership with Sanju Samson and then having a crucial
partnership of 60 runs with the aggressive Shivam Dube. Varma ended with a superb 69 not out
off 53 balls, including a blistering four, sixes. Varma scored a magnificent six off Haris Rauf in
the final over, to get India within 2 runs before Rinku Singh hit a couple of the sticks to finish the
match off.
Triumph and Controversy: A Bitter End
Though the cricket was exhilarating, the aftermath of the match showed a different image. The
high stakes that had embodied the course of the tournament came to life at the presentation.
The Indian team had avoided handshakes throughout the tournament, and after the final, they
heightened the tension by refusing to accept the winner’s trophy from the Asian Cricket Council
(ACC) president and Pakistan minister, Mohsin Naqvi. The presentation was delayed and
concluded with the ACC official physically removing the trophy and medals. The Indian team
celebrated their record ninth title in the Asia Cup in such an odd situation. There was even an
on-field gathering led by captain Suryakumar Yadav to re-enact an iconic celebration with an
imaginary trophy, emphasizing that the victory after such a tough match was more significant
than any currency of silver. The Player-of-the-Series for the Asia Cup was Abhishek Sharma
with 314 runs, due to a consistent series of brilliance.