India’s cricket team showed incredible grit to edge out Pakistan by five wickets in the thrilling Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. This victory marks their ninth title in the continental tournament, capping off an unbeaten run since their 2018 win.
The spotlight shone brightest on young star Tilak Varma, the 21-year-old who steadied the ship with an unbeaten 69 off 51 balls. He walked in when India were wobbling at 20 for 3 and smashed three fours and four sixes, building crucial stands with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33). India chased down the target of 147 with just two balls left, thanks to Rinku Singh’s dramatic winning boundary off his only delivery faced. “Everyone knows I’m a finisher,” Rinku said with a laugh. “I just wanted to help the team – no matter where that ball pitched, I was going after it.”
Bowling coach Morne Morkel praised the team’s composure after the match. “The boys delivered a special performance tonight,” he said. “We weren’t at our best in the powerplay with the bat, but they read the conditions perfectly with the ball. Shivam Dube stepped up big time, setting the tone early and finishing strong with the bat.”
Morkel revealed how an injury to Hardik Pandya opened the door for Dube to bowl the new ball. “We talked about giving him that chance, and unfortunately, Hardik got hurt. Dube grabbed the opportunity.”
With back-to-back games in the scorching Dubai heat, Morkel highlighted recovery and mental focus as game-changers. “Practice was sharp, and we managed the heat well. It came down to who held their nerve longest. That deep partnership between Shivam and Tilak was massive.”
Earlier, Pakistan looked set for a big score at 113 for 1 in the 13th over, but India’s bowlers turned the tide. Kuldeep Yadav stole the show with a four-wicket haul, including three in a explosive 17th over. He bounced back from a shaky start to claim 4 for 7 in his final two overs. Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah each grabbed two wickets, restricting Pakistan to 146 all out in 19.1 overs.
India’s middle order absorbed the early pressure and delivered when it counted, securing their first unbeaten Asia Cup campaign in years. What a way to wrap up the India vs Pakistan rivalry in style.
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