India clinched their second T20I Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Tilak Varma starred with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes, calling it one of the most special knocks of his life. He dedicated the performance to fans across India and praised teammates Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube for their crucial roles under pressure.
Chasing a modest 147, India faced early trouble, slumping to 20/3 after a sharp spell from Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf, who took 3/29. With captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill back in the pavilion early, Tilak stepped up at 10/2. He rebuilt the innings with a 57-run partnership alongside Samson’s 24 off 21 balls, including two fours and a six. Then, Shivam Dube unleashed 33 off 22 balls with two fours and two sixes, forming another vital half-century stand with Tilak. Rookie Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary on the first ball of his debut Asia Cup innings.
“It was pressure. They were bowling well and mixing up the pace,” Tilak said post-match. “I just focused on breathing and staying calm. Samson’s knock was fantastic, and Dube’s batting under pressure was so helpful for the team and the country. We’ve prepared for every spot in the order—you have to be flexible. I backed my game, especially on slower pitches after working hard with Gautam Gambhir. This one’s for all Indians.”
Pakistan posted 146 all out in 19.1 overs after India won the toss and chose to field. Openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman built an 84-run stand—Ayub with 57 off 38 balls (four fours, three sixes) and Zaman 46 off 35 (two fours, two sixes). But India’s spinners turned the game: Kuldeep Yadav grabbed 4/30, Varun Chakaravarthy took 2/30 in the middle overs, and Jasprit Bumrah sealed it with 2/25.
Abhishek Sharma emerged as Player of the Tournament and the Asia Cup 2025’s top run-scorer with 314 runs in seven innings, including three fifties. He also won a car as part of the award and shared his excitement. “Getting a car is always a pleasure,” Abhishek said. Joining the team after the World Cup win wasn’t easy for an opener, but he stuck to a clear plan: show intent from the first ball. “We worked hard on that, and I got amazing support from coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav throughout. Even on tricky pitches, I targeted spinners and pacers in the powerplay—no matter who. Sometimes you fail, but you keep the process going. That impact helped the team win.”
This victory marks India’s ninth Asia Cup title overall, including ODI editions, in a high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash that kept fans on the edge.
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