DUBAI: In a thrilling final of the Asia Cup, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to claim the coveted trophy for the ninth time in tournament history.
The victorious side chased down a target of 147 runs, reaching it in the 20th over while losing five wickets.
Tilak Varma emerged as the hero for India, playing a match-winning innings of 69 runs off 53 balls, which included four sixes and three boundaries. Despite early setbacks, Varma anchored the chase and guided India to a memorable victory.
India’s top order faced immediate challenges, losing their first wicket at just seven runs when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for five. He was followed by another early departure of Abhishek, who also managed only five runs. Shubman Gill fell for 12, and Sanju Samson added 24 before being sent back to the pavilion.
From Pakistan’s bowling side, Faheem Ashraf was the most successful, claiming three wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed picked up one wicket each. Haris Rauf, however, had a difficult day, conceding 50 runs in just 3.4 overs without taking a wicket.
Earlier, Pakistan batted first and set India a target of 147 runs. Their innings began with promise but faltered in the middle order. Opener Sahibzada Farhan provided a strong start with 57 runs off 38 balls, striking three sixes and five boundaries, while Fakhar Zaman contributed 46 runs. Despite these performances, no other Pakistani batsman managed to reach double figures.
Pakistan’s innings saw wickets tumble at regular intervals: the first fell at 84 runs, with Sahibzada Farhan departing after his 57-run knock.
The second wicket fell at 113 runs when Saeem Ayub was dismissed for 14, and the third also at 113 when Mohammad Haris was out without scoring. Fakhar Zaman fell for 46 at 126, while Hussain Talat managed only a single run before becoming the fifth batsman to depart.
India’s bowling attack was led by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed four wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Akshar Patel contributed two wickets each, applying consistent pressure throughout Pakistan’s innings.
The match began with India winning the toss and opting to field. Captain Suryakumar Yadav explained, “We wanted to chase today, which is why we decided to field first. The pitch looks good, and we are confident in our batting.” He also noted that Hardik Pandya would miss the match due to injury, with Ranko Singh and Shubman Dubey included in the playing XI.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in his team before the match, stating, “We are excited and fully prepared to bat first. Our team is ready to take on India in this high-pressure game.” During the toss, both captains spoke with different presenters, with Agha consulting Waqar Younis and Yadav speaking with Ravi Shastri.
Pakistan’s playing XI included Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Saeem Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. India fielded Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shubman Dubey, Ranko Singh, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy.
This Asia Cup final once again highlighted the intensity of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and showcased some brilliant individual performances that ultimately helped India secure their ninth continental title.
