Tilak Varma’s masterclass with the bat stole the spotlight in the Asia Cup 2025 final as India clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai. The 22-year-old’s unbeaten 69 runs, strikingly calm amid a tense chase of 147, was the cornerstone of India’s triumph in a match that was as gripping off the field as it was on it.
India’s chase began on shaky ground. At a precarious 10-2 inside the third over, nerves were high and the pressure immense. Varma, coming in at number four, confronted this challenge head-on. While Indian wickets tumbled around him, he stayed composed, anchoring the innings with a mix of caution and calculated aggression. His knock, delivered off 53 balls, included four towering sixes and three crisp fours, showcasing a blend of temperament and power that kept India in the hunt.
The political undertones that often accompany India-Pakistan encounters were palpable throughout the tournament and reached a crescendo during the final. Post-match proceedings saw a delay of over an hour without clear explanation, heightening tensions on the ground. The controversy deepened when the Indian team notably boycotted the trophy presentation. Refusing to accept the Asia Cup trophy or medals from Mohsin Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board—the Indian players sent a strong message in defiance of the politically sensitive scenario.
Despite this, key Indian players including Varma, Abhishek Sharma (the tournament’s leading run-scorer), and Kuldeep Yadav accepted their prize money, but purposefully avoided formal presentations involving Naqvi. The players instead celebrated their ninth Asia Cup title with a playful mock trophy gesture, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, underscoring their joy while quietly protesting the ceremony’s political figurehead.
From the outset of the run chase, India’s struggles were evident as their top scorers faltered early. Abhishek, dismissed on the first ball of the innings, left India reeling. Suryakumar Yadav’s brief stay at the crease was cut short by a sharp catch, compounding India’s early woes. Opening partner Gill lasted just nine balls, and the middle order had to piece the innings together under mounting pressure.
Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson played a valuable supporting role with a brisk 24 runs, helping stabilize the innings before falling to a clever leg-spin from Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube, who uniquely contributed both with the ball and bat, complemented Varma’s steady presence as the duo contributed crucial runs in the final overs.
Pakistan’s fielding lapses offered India additional lifelines. Two dropped catches and a missed run-out chance, notably by wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris, allowed Varma and Dube to build a near unbreakable partnership. Varma’s impeccable timing and shot selection kept the scoreboard ticking, while Dube provided steady support. When Dube fell with just nine runs needed, it was Rinku Singh who answered the call, facing one ball and sealing India’s late victory to jubilant celebrations.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s innings showed promise with an aggressive start from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. Their opening partnership yielded 84 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position. Farhan’s 57 off 38 balls epitomized his attacking flair, while Zaman added 46 runs at a brisk pace. However, once these key batsmen were dismissed, the rest of the Pakistan lineup faltered dramatically. Despite some early momentum, Pakistan’s middle and lower order collapsed, finishing at 146 all out well short of the target.
India’s bowling unit, led by wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, was clinical. Yadav ended with impressive figures of 4 for 30 in his allotted four overs and was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 17 scalps. Support came from Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy, who all chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The disciplined bowling helped choke Pakistan’s scoring and ensured India was always in control.
This final not only showcased high-quality cricket but also underscored the intense passion and political narratives intertwined with the India-Pakistan rivalry. Amidst the controversies and dramatic events, Tilak Varma’s resilience and brilliance with the bat defined India’s successful chase and a memorable conclusion to the Asia Cup 2025.
