Match Overview
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final lived up to its billing with a dramatic finish at the Dubai International Stadium. India secured a hard-fought 5-wicket victory, chasing down Pakistan’s 146 with just two balls to spare. The clash was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed stadium chants, and moments that will be remembered for years.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final Full Match Highlights:
Pakistan’s Innings: Bright Start, Sudden Collapse
Batting first, Pakistan made a steady start with Fakhar Zaman and Farhan Khan stitching together an 84-run partnership that gave their side early momentum. The pair looked confident, especially Fakhar, who punished anything short with clean hitting.
However, India’s spinners turned the game on its head. Varun Chakaravarthy broke the stand, removing Farhan, and Kuldeep Yadav followed up with crucial wickets, including Ayub and the well-set Fakhar. From 84-0, Pakistan collapsed spectacularly, losing their last nine wickets for just 33 runs.
Kuldeep’s figures of 4/30 and Varun’s double strike left Pakistan reeling, bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
India’s Run-Chase: From Trouble to Triumph
India’s reply began shakily. Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf struck early, reducing India to 20/3 inside the Powerplay. With Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav dismissed cheaply, Pakistan seemed to be in command.
That’s when Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma stepped up. Their 57-run stand rebuilt the innings, with Samson providing calmness and Tilak showcasing flair. Although Samson departed after a steady knock, Tilak carried on, anchoring the chase with brilliant composure.
Shivam Dube added a vital cameo, striking timely boundaries to ease the pressure. The decisive blow came in the final over when Tilak smashed Haris Rauf for a towering six, before Rinku Singh finished the job with a boundary. India reached 150/5 in 19.4 overs, sealing another Asia Cup crown.
Key Performances
- Tilak Varma (India): 63* (career-defining innings under immense pressure)
- Sanju Samson (India): 35 (stabilized the chase during a crisis)
- Kuldeep Yadav (India): 4/30 (match-turning spell in the middle overs)
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): 45 (gave Pakistan a solid start)
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): 2 wickets (early breakthroughs)
Player Awards
- Player of the Match: Tilak Varma – for his unbeaten knock that anchored India’s chase.
- Player of the Tournament: Abhishek Sharma – recognized for his fearless batting throughout the tournament.
Post-Match Reactions
Tilak Varma (India):
“It was all about holding my nerves. I knew if I stayed till the end, we’d get there. This is one of the most special knocks of my career.”
Sanju Samson (India):
“The pressure of an India-Pakistan final is unique. I just wanted to stay calm, trust my game, and support Tilak.”
Salman Agha (Pakistan captain):
“Tough loss to take. Our bowlers gave it everything, but we didn’t finish well with the bat. Credit to India for handling the pressure better.”
Suryakumar Yadav press conference today
Salman Agha slams India after Asia Cup loss
The Bigger Picture
- India has now won nine Asia Cup titles, consolidating their dominance in the competition.
- This was India’s 17th straight T20I victory in multi-nation tournaments since 2023, highlighting their depth and consistency.
- Pakistan showed flashes of brilliance but will rue their batting collapse in the final.
