Kashmir, September 28, 2025 – In a nail-biting showdown that lived up to the hype of the #INDvsPAK rivalry, India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets to win the #AsiaCup2025 title, marking the first-ever final between the two arch-rivals in the tournament’s 41-year history. Chasing a modest target of 147 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India’s middle-order resilience shone through as Tilak Varma’s gritty half-century steered the Men in Blue to glory, extending their dominant streak against Pakistan to seven consecutive wins across formats.The match, which drew a global audience amid heightened tensions following earlier clashes in the tournament, saw Pakistan post 146 all out in 19.1 overs after a promising start. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) forged an 84-run partnership, the highest for any full-member team in a multi-team T20 final. However, India’s spin wizards triggered a dramatic collapse, with Pakistan losing nine wickets for just 33 runs in the death overs. Kuldeep Yadav claimed 4 crucial wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/30) and Axar Patel (2/26) spun a web around the Pakistani batsmen. Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) sealed the innings with his fiery pace, including a sharp riposte to the batters after an earlier verbal exchange.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav, leading in place of the injured Hardik Pandya, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. “The spinners executed our plans perfectly, and the collapse was unexpected but well-deserved,” SKY remarked post-match. Pandya’s absence due to a niggle saw Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh enter the lineup, with Dube proving pivotal in the chase.India’s pursuit began turbulently, slumping to 40/3 inside the powerplay as Pakistan’s pacers Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early blows. Abhishek Sharma (5), Shubman Gill (12), and SKY (1) fell cheaply, silencing the Indian contingent in the stands. But Tilak Varma (58*) and Shivam Dube (28*) steadied the ship with a match-winning 70-run partnership, reaching 130/4 after 18 overs. Varma’s composed knock, including a milestone fifty in the high-stakes final, and Dube’s finishing touches ensured India crossed the line with 12 balls to spare.
The victory wasn’t without controversy; echoes of the Super Four clash on September 21—where India eased past Pakistan by 6 wickets chasing 172, powered by Abhishek’s explosive 74 off 39—lingered, including no handshakes between teams and heated on-field exchanges. Umpire interventions were needed during the chase, reminiscent of the feisty atmosphere in Dubai last week.This #AsiaCup2025 triumph adds another chapter to India’s cricketing dominance in Asia, with standout performances from Kuldeep, Varma, and the spin trio earning rave reviews. For Pakistan, the heartbreaking collapse raises questions ahead of their next assignments, despite Farhan’s valiant effort.
Key Highlights:
- Pakistan Innings: Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4/23, Jasprit Bumrah 2/25.
- India Innings: Tilak Varma 58*, Shivam Dube 28*; Faheem Ashraf 2/20, Shaheen Afridi 1/28.
- Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav for his match-turning spell.
- Milestone: India’s 7th straight win over Pakistan; First IND-PAK Asia Cup final.
As celebrations erupt across India, #IndiaWinsAsiaCup2025 trends worldwide, underscoring the timeless allure of this iconic rivalry.
