SRINAGAR: India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in a historic final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a target of 147, India rode on a composed half-century from Tilak Varma and crucial contributions from Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson to overhaul the Pakistani total of 146 with an over to spare, securing their record ninth Asia Cup crown
The match marked the first-ever meeting of the arch-rivals in an Asia Cup summit clash in the tournament’s 41-year history. India earlier vanquished Pakistan twice in this edition, once in the group stage and once in the Super 4s.
Sent in to bat, Pakistan made an 84-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35), laying the foundation for a big total. However, India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up four wickets for 30 runs, engineered a collapse, restricting Pakistan to 146 all out from a comfortable 113 for 1. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy also made key breakthroughs as Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 23 runs in a span of six overs.
In reply, India lost early wickets, with the trio of Abhishek Sharma, captain Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill falling cheaply. The chase was anchored by Tilak Varma, who struck a gritty half-century, and supported by Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson’s measured contributions. India advanced steadily towards the 147-run target, keeping their composure despite the mounting pressure of a high-stakes final.
