Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma Seal Thrilling Asia Cup 2025 Victory for India
In a breathtaking finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to lift the Asia Cup 2025, with the match decided in the last two overs. Chasing 147, India found themselves under pressure, needing 17 runs from the final two overs.
Shivam Dube played a crucial role, smashing a six followed by a boundary in the 18th over, reducing the target and shifting momentum in India’s favor. His quickfire 33 off 22 balls provided the perfect platform for a tense finish.
Anchoring the chase, Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 69, handling the pressure with composure. In the final over, he hit a boundary off Haris Rauf, bringing the equation down to 6 runs from 4 balls. Rinku Singh then sealed India’s triumph with another boundary, ensuring a memorable last-over victory.
This win marks India’s ninth Asia Cup title, highlighting the depth and resilience of their batting lineup.
Early Wickets Stun India in Asia Cup Final
The Asia Cup 2025 Final got off to a difficult start for India as they lost both of their key opening batsmen in quick succession while chasing 147.
First, Faheem Ashraf claimed the star opener, Abhishek Sharma, who was caught for just 5 runs in the second over. This was a significant blow as Sharma had been the top scorer of the tournament.
Then, just a few balls later, captain Suryakumar Yadav also fell cheaply, scoring only 1 run off 5 balls. The fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi got him to drive a slower full-length delivery, but he couldn't keep it down. The ball flew towards mid-off, where Salman Ali Agha executed a remarkable juggling catch to complete the dismissal, leaving India struggling at 10/2.
Spinners Ignite Indian Comeback in Asia Cup Final!
After a solid opening stand of 84, Pakistan’s innings came under pressure from India’s wrist and finger spinners. Kuldeep Yadav struck first, removing Saim Ayub for a brisk 14, caught brilliantly by Jasprit Bumrah. The very next over, Axar Patel dealt another blow, dismissing the promoted Mohammad Haris for a duck.
Pakistan’s scoring rate, comfortably over eight an over earlier, slowed dramatically. Fakhar Zaman tried to hold the innings together alongside Salman Ali Agha, but India wasn’t done yet. Varun Chakravarthy held his nerve with precise lines and lengths, tempting Fakhar into one big shot too many. Fakhar mistimed a short delivery outside off, sending it only as far as backward point, where Kuldeep Yadav took a stunning catch while backpedaling.
The big wicket of Fakhar Zaman at 126/4 has opened the door for India to seize control in this high-pressure final. With Pakistan’s middle order under fire, India’s spinners have put the defending champions firmly back in the game.
Breakthrough for India as Farhan Falls in Asia Cup Final!
The opening stand that powered Pakistan to a strong start in the Asia Cup 2025 Final was finally broken by India’s Varun Chakaravarthy. Opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a brisk 57 runs off 38 balls, halting a dangerous partnership of 84 runs.
Farhan's aggressive innings, which included five fours and three sixes, concluded in the 10th over. Attempting a pull shot off Chakaravarthy's short delivery, the batsman failed to control the stroke, resulting in a catch by Tilak Varma at deep mid-wicket. The crucial wicket, with the score on 84/1, provided India with a much-needed turning point against a dominant Pakistani opening effort. The focus now shifts to the incoming batsmen as India seeks to further capitalize on the breakthrough.
Axar Patel and Varun Chakravorthy were introduced during the power play to add variation and control. Pakistan finished the first six overs at 45 without losing a wicket, with the openers Sahibzada Farhan on 26 and Fakhar Zaman on 19*.
Despite a few boundaries, India managed to bowl 14 dot balls during the powerplay, showing disciplined bowling and building pressure. Pakistan’s cautious approach helped them preserve wickets, but the run rate remained healthy.
Team management will be looking for breakthroughs in the next few overs to prevent the openers from settling in. With India’s key bowlers in action, the second phase of the innings promises to be crucial in determining the match momentum.
With Hardik Pandya ruled out due to cramps, India’s strategy saw a quick shuffle as Shivam Dube was handed the new ball to kick off the high-voltage final. It was a moment of trust and responsibility for the all-rounder, and Dube didn’t flinch.
Focused and composed, he charged in to deliver the opening over, setting the tone in Hardik’s absence. The move underlined the team management’s faith in him, signaling that India is ready to adapt on the biggest stage.
Stay tuned as the battle intensifies under the Dubai lights.