Tilak Varma’s masterful half-century (69*) helped Team India cross the line and clinch the Asia Cup 2025 title as the Men in Blue defeated Pakistan for the third time in the multi-nation tournament.
Chasing a modest target of 147, India’s top order collapsed early. However, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma played brilliantly under pressure to guide their side to victory.
### Team Changes and Match Setup
Coming into the game, Pakistan fielded an unchanged XI. India, on the other hand, made three changes due to Hardik Pandya’s injury. Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah replaced Pandya, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh respectively.
### Pakistan’s Strong Start
Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a quick start. Farhan, who reached his fifty in 35 deliveries, refrained from his usual gun-shot celebration after being reprimanded by the ICC. Despite Farhan falling for 57 in the 10th over, Pakistan looked on course for a big total.
However, Saim Ayub could not capitalize, getting out for 14 in the 13th over. From there, Pakistan’s innings collapsed dramatically as they lost nine wickets for just 33 runs, with reckless shots costing them dearly. Only Farhan (69), Fakhar Zaman (46), and Saim Ayub (14) managed double figures.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, delivering figures of 4-0-30-4.
### India’s Chase and Turning Point
With a target of 147, India’s chase started poorly. Abhishek Sharma was deceived by Faheem Ashraf’s slower delivery, edging a tame shot to mid-on. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Suryakumar Yadav for a duck, and Ashraf soon bowled Shubman Gill, leaving India in trouble.
A crucial dropped catch off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling when Samson was on 12 allowed the Indian batter to settle. Samson went on to build a vital 57-run partnership, scoring 24 before Abrar eventually got him out. However, Rauf’s expensive second over, conceding 17 runs, tilted the momentum in India’s favor.
Tilak Varma reached his half-century in 41 balls and continued to press on. Shivam Dube contributed an exceptional 33 runs, helping India propelling toward the target.
### The Winning Moment
Rinku Singh, making his tournament debut, faced just one ball and struck the winning runs to seal a five-wicket victory for India and bring home the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.
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Team India’s resilience and key performances under pressure ensured they emerged champions in a thrilling final against their arch-rivals Pakistan.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-pak-asia-cup-2025-final-tilak-varmas-masterful-69-helps-team-india-secure-hat-trick-of-wins-over-pakistan-clinch-9th-title
