Dubai: India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title with a nail-biting five-wicket win over Pakistan in a dramatic final at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a modest 147, the Men in Blue crossed the finish line in 19.4 overs, thanks to a composed innings from Tilak Varma and a stunning last-ball boundary by Rinku Singh.
Pakistan looked in control at 113 for one but collapsed sensationally to 146 all out in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, while Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah shared key scalps to derail Pakistan’s batting charge.
India’s reply saw early setbacks with Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav falling cheaply. Sanju Samson contributed 24 before departing, and Shivam Dube kept India afloat with a breezy 33 off 22 balls. Anchoring the chase was Tilak Varma, who stood tall with an unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries, hammering three fours and four sixes under immense pressure.
The final twist arrived in the last over. With India needing one run from three balls, Rinku Singh faced his very first delivery of the match. Calm under pressure, he dispatched it to the boundary, finishing unbeaten on 4 off 1 ball and sealing the title in emphatic style.
The victory not only handed India another Asia Cup trophy but also reinforced their dominance in crunch encounters against Pakistan, sending fans into euphoric celebrations across the cricketing world.
