In a match that lived up to the fierce rivalry, India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on 28 September 2025. Chasing 147 in a tense final, India recovered from a shaky 20 for 3 to reach the target at 150 for 5, thanks to a match-winning knock from Tilak Varma. Varma’s calm and calculated 69 not out, supported by Shivam Dube’s 33 off 22 balls, ensured India lifted the trophy in a game that will be remembered as one of the most gripping India-Pakistan encounters in recent history.
Match Summary
- Pakistan: 146 all out in 19.1 overs
- Sahibzada Farhan: 57 (50 off 35 balls before dismissal)
- Fakhar Zaman: 46
- Collapse: Pakistan fell from 107/1 to 146 all out
- Kuldeep Yadav: 4/30, Axar Patel: 2 wickets, Varun Chakravarthy: crucial breakthroughs
- India: 150/5 in 19.1 overs
- Tilak Varma: 69* (match-winning knock under pressure)
- Shivam Dube: 33 (vital two sixes in the chase)
- Early collapse: 20/3 before rebuilding
- Final shot: Rinku Singh sealed the game with a four over down the ground.
Turning Points
Pakistan’s Collapse
- At 107 for 1 with 44 balls left, Pakistan looked set for 170+. But India’s spinners turned the game:
- Kuldeep Yadav dismissed three batters in a single over.
- Varun Chakravarthy removed both Farhan and Fakhar, halting Pakistan’s charge.
- Pakistan lost 9 wickets for 39 runs in a stunning collapse.
Tilak Varma’s Composed Innings
- Came in under pressure at 20/3.
- Absorbed pressure, scoring steadily before shifting gears.
- Took 17 runs in one over off Haris Rauf, changing momentum.
- Finished with a composed unbeaten 69 runs, making him the hero of the final.
Shivam Dube’s Cameo
- Struck two crucial sixes—one off spin, one off pace.
- Shared a 60-run partnership with Tilak.
- Also bowled three economical overs as a makeshift allrounder in Hardik Pandya’s absence.
Awards List of Asia Cup 2025
- Man of the Match: Tilak Verma
- Most Valuable Player of Tournament: Kuldeep Yadav
- Player of the Tournament: Abhisek Sharma
Atmosphere & Rivalry
- The clash was more than cricket, layered with political tension between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
- Gestures, crowd emotions, and coaching instructions all reflected the charged atmosphere.
- This was also the first India-Pakistan Asia Cup final in 41 years, adding historic weight to the contest.
Static GK Facts
- Asia Cup founded: 1984, governed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
- Formats: Played in ODI and T20I formats, alternating depending on the upcoming ICC tournament.
- India’s record: With this win, India now has 9 Asia Cup titles—the most by any team.
- Other winners: Sri Lanka (6 titles), Pakistan (2 titles).
- 2025 final venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE.
- Notable Indian performers: Tilak Varma (final’s hero), Kuldeep Yadav (4/30), Shivam Dube (all-round cameo).