Dubai: India clinched the Asia Cup title in style, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 5 wickets in a nail-biting final that went down to the last over. Chasing a modest target of 147, India crossed the finish line in 19.4 overs to script yet another memorable triumph on the big stage.
The night belonged to Tilak Varma, who rose to the occasion with a scintillating half-century. Walking in under immense pressure after early wickets tumbled, the youngster steadied India’s chase with calm composure and sparkling strokeplay. His 41-ball fifty turned the tide, making him the undisputed star of the final.
Partnering with Sanju Samson, Tilak forged a vital 57-run stand for the fourth wicket. Though Sanju was dismissed for a fighting knock in the 13th over, the pair had already dragged India out of danger after a shaky start.
Earlier, India’s top order faltered in the powerplay, losing Abhishek Sharma (5), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill cheaply. At 36/3, Pakistan sensed momentum—but Tilak’s brilliance shut the door on their hopes.
On the bowling front, India’s spinners produced a masterclass. After Pakistan’s openers piled on 84 runs for the first wicket, Kuldeep Yadav (4 wickets), Varun Chakravarthy (2), and Axar Patel (2) triggered a stunning collapse. From 113/1, Pakistan imploded to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs. Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two scalps, too.
For Pakistan, opener Sahibzada Farhan stood tall with a 38-ball 57, but his dismissal to Varun Chakravarthy proved the turning point. Once Farhan departed, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under relentless spin pressure.
In Hardik Pandya’s absence, Shivam Dube opened the bowling, while Rinku Singh stepped in as a replacement. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bowl first paid rich dividends, setting the stage for Tilak Varma’s finishing heroics.
With this emphatic victory, India once again stamped its dominance in Asian cricket—outclassing Pakistan when it mattered the most.
