India secured their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title with a nail-biting five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a dramatic final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, completing a tournament treble against their arch-rivals in the most spectacular fashion.

Match Summary: Tilak Varma’s Heroics Seal Historic Win

In a low-scoring thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball, Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 53 balls proved to be the difference as India chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 146 with just two balls to spare.

The victory marked India’s second T20 Asia Cup title and extended their remarkable dominance over Pakistan in the tournament, having defeated them twice earlier – by 7 wickets in the group stage and by 6 wickets in the Super 4 stage.

Pakistan’s Dramatic Collapse: From 113/1 to 146 All Out

Pakistan’s innings followed a classic tale of two halves after being asked to bat first. The opening partnership of Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls) provided a spectacular start, racing to 84 runs in under 10 overs with aggressive strokeplay that included 7 fours and 5 sixes between them.

At 113/1 in the 13th over, Pakistan appeared well-positioned for a commanding total. However, what followed was one of the most dramatic collapses in Asia Cup history as they lost their final 9 wickets for just 33 runs, being bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Magical Spell Turns the Game

The architect of Pakistan’s downfall was Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed 4 wickets for 30 runs, including a devastating spell that saw him take 3 wickets in a single over. The left-arm wrist spinner, who had conceded 25 runs in his first two overs, staged a remarkable comeback to finish as the pick of India’s bowlers.

Supporting Kuldeep’s heroics, Varun Chakravarthy (2/30), Axar Patel (2/26), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) shared the remaining wickets, with India’s spin trio of Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar combining to take 8 wickets and completely suffocate Pakistan’s middle order.

India’s Dramatic Chase: Early Collapse to Triumphant Finish

India’s pursuit of 147 began disastrously, echoing memories of the 2017 Champions Trophy final as they slumped to 20/3 within 4 overs. Abhishek Sharma (5), captain Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12) all fell cheaply, leaving India in deep trouble.

The Tilak Varma Show: Composure Under Pressure

Enter Tilak Varma, who displayed maturity beyond his years in a pressure-cooker situation. The left-handed batsman constructed his innings perfectly, initially partnering with Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls) for a crucial 57-run partnership that steadied the innings.

When Samson departed with India at 77/4, Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls) provided the perfect foil to Varma’s anchor role. The duo’s 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket proved decisive, with Dube’s aggressive approach – featuring 2 fours and 2 sixes – complementing Varma’s calculated aggression.

The Final Over Drama

With 10 runs needed from the final over bowled by Haris Rauf, Tilak Varma produced the moment of magic, smashing a massive six over deep square leg to leave India needing just 2 runs from 4 balls. Rinku Singh, playing his first match of the tournament, fittingly sealed the victory with a boundary through mid-on.

Key Statistics and Records

Individual Performances

• Player of the Match: Tilak Varma (69* off 53 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes)

• Player of the Series: Abhishek Sharma

• Top Scorer: Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls for Pakistan)

• Best Bowling: Kuldeep Yadav (4/30 in 4 overs)

Tournament Records

• India’s Asia Cup Titles: 9th overall, 2nd in T20 format

• Head-to-Head: India completed 3-0 sweep over Pakistan in tournament

• Prize Money: India received US$30,000 as champions

Post-Match Controversy: Trophy Presentation Drama

The victory celebrations were overshadowed by unprecedented controversy during the trophy presentation ceremony. India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board chief.

The Diplomatic Standoff

According to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, India’s decision stemmed from their stance of not accepting awards from representatives of countries “waging war against India”. The situation escalated when:

1. Pakistan players initially refused to come out for the ceremony

2. India’s request to receive the trophy from ECB vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni was denied

3. Mohsin Naqvi insisted on presenting the medals personally

4. The trophy was removed when India refused to budge

5. Indian players celebrated with an imaginary trophy, with captain Suryakumar Yadav mimicking Rohit Sharma’s famous celebration

Tactical Analysis: How India Won

Bowling Strategy

India’s decision to bowl first proved crucial on a two-paced pitch that made timing difficult. The strategy of using spinners in tandem during the middle overs completely dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, with the spin trio accounting for 8 of the 10 wickets.

Chase Management

Despite the early collapse, India’s batting depth proved decisive. The lower middle order’s contribution – Varma, Dube, and Rinku Singh combining for 102* runs – showcased the team’s balance and preparation for pressure situations.

Tournament Context and Significance

This Asia Cup 2025 victory reinforces India’s dominance in Asian cricket, extending their record as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. The triumph comes as particularly significant given:

• First-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final

• India’s unbeaten run throughout the tournament

• Emergence of new match-winners like Tilak Varma under pressure

• Continuation of India’s recent T20 success following their T20 World Cup victory

Player Reactions and Quotes

Tilak Varma (Player of the Match)

“I just wanted to stay in the middle and finish the game. The Pakistani bowlers were bowling well and varied their pace, but I tried to keep calm and finish the game for my country. This is the most special knock of my life, and I dedicate this win to all Indians”.

Salman Agha (Pakistan Captain)

“It’s a tough pill to swallow. We didn’t finish well with the bat. When India needed 64 runs from 6 overs, I felt we had the game under control, but the batting struggled to rotate strike properly. Still, I’m proud of the boys – we’ll come back stronger”.

Looking Ahead

This comprehensive victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final serves as a perfect preparation for India’s upcoming international commitments. The emergence of players like Tilak Varma in high-pressure situations, combined with the continued excellence of established performers like Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, bodes well for Indian cricket’s future.

The controversy surrounding the trophy presentation, however, highlights the continuing political tensions that overshadow cricketing encounters between the two nations, even in victory and celebration.