Tilak Varma Shines as India Defeat Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final
Tilak Varma's unbeaten 69 guides India to a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, sealing their ninth title with a thrilling chase.
In a nail-biting finale in Dubai, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to claim the Asia Cup 2025 title, with a composed 69 not out from Tilak Varma stealing the show. India's bowlers had earlier thrown Pakistan into disarray, setting the stage for a tense run chase.
Bowling brilliance turns the match
Pakistan looked set for a solid total after an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35). At 113 for 2 in the 12th over, they appeared in control.
However, spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav unleashed a sensational spell of 4/30, triggering a collapse that saw Pakistan lose nine wickets for just 33 runs.
Support came from Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, who picked up two wickets each. At the death, Jasprit Bumrah struck twice to finish Pakistan's innings at 146 in 19.4 overs.
India's wobbly chase
Chasing 147, India had a rocky start. Abhishek Sharma fell early for 5 (off 5), leaving India at 7/1. Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed, dismissed by Shaheen Afridi for just 1. Shubman Gill then fell for 12, and India found themselves in deep trouble at 20/3 in the fourth over.
At this point, Tilak Varma joined Sanju Samson, and together they rebuilt the innings. Samson contributed 24 off 21 before edging one to Farhan. At 77/4 in 12.2 overs, India still trailed.
Turning point: late fireworks
In the 15th over, Varma and Shivam Dube went on the offensive, putting on 47 runs in their final five overs together. Varma reached his fifty in 41 balls. Dube added crucial momentum with boundaries that kept India in contention.
With just 17 needed off the last four balls, Rinku Singh drilled a boundary and India sealed victory at 150/5 in 19.4 overs. The hero, Tilak Varma, remained unbeaten on 69*, while Rinku added an unbeaten 4.
Significance & aftermath
The win gives India a record ninth Asia Cup trophy, and marks their second triumph in the T20 format of the tournament. The match was also marked by off-field tension: Suryakumar Yadav shunned the customary trophy picture, and the captain skipped the handshake at the toss against Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.
