Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan, Final – Who Said What?

In a thrilling conclusion at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28, 2025, India won their eighth Asia Cup, defeating archrivals Pakistan by five wickets with two balls to spare. The triumph capped off a strong campaign for India, which went undefeated throughout the tournament.

Pakistan, who chose to bat first, began well and hoped to score a large total. At 113 for 1 in the 13th over, Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) went all out, appearing to push the total over 200 runs.

However, India’s bowlers fought valiantly. Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant spell (4/30) and Varun Chakravarthy’s breakthroughs put Pakistan on the back foot, resulting in a collapse in which they lost nine wickets for 33 runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs despite being in charge of the situation. Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets, including that of Haris Rauf.

India’s innings began poorly as they attempted to chase down 147. Early wickets by Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi left the Men in Blue battling at 25 for 3 during the powerplay. India was further put under pressure when Sanju Samson (24) left with the score at 77 for 4.

Tilak Varma, on the other hand, led the chase with 69 not out from 53 balls. Tilak varied his stroke effectively and picked limits at critical occasions. He found help in Shivam Dube (33 off 22), whose late cameo, including an important six off Haris Rauf, swung the game back in India’s favour. Tilak led India to 150/5 in 19.4 overs, with 10 needing off the final over.

Who Said What?

Abhishek Sharma, Player of the Tournament

Getting a car is always a pleasure. Getting into this team after winning the World Cup wasn’t easy for any opener, I worked very hard on my game and you need the support of the coach and captain, I was getting that from the start of the tournament. If I get a start, my team should win. Sometimes you are going to fail but you have to follow the process. I had a plan if I get the spinners in the powerplay I will try to use the powerplay, even any premium fast bowlers, I would go from the first ball no matter who’s the bowler

Tilak Varma, Player of the Match

It was pressure. They were bowling well. They were mixing the pace up. I was breathing up and trying to stay calm. Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was important for the country. We have prepared for eveey position. You should be flexible. I was prepared to bat at any order. Was backing my game. When the wickets are on the slower side, have talked to Gauti sir and have worked hard. One of the most special knocks of my life. Chak De India.