India Clinch Asia Cup 2025 Title with Five-Wicket Win Over Pakistan in Drama-Filled Final

Dubai, UAE — India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to lift their ninth Asia Cup title, but the match will be remembered as much for its on-field brilliance as for the off-field controversy that followed.

Young sensation Tilak Varma showcased nerves of steel with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, guiding India to a successful chase of 147 runs in a tense decider on Sunday night. Walking in when India were struggling at 10-2 in the third over, Varma steadied the innings while wickets fell around him, proving why he is one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket.

The 22-year-old struck four sixes and three boundaries, building crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (17*) to take India within touching distance of the target. Eventually, Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary off his very first ball, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.

Early Struggles in India’s Run Chase

India’s chase started on a shaky note:

· Abhishek Sharma, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, departed for just 5 runs after miscuing a shot against Faheem Ashraf.

· Captain Suryakumar Yadav followed soon after, falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi for just 1 run.

· Opener Shubman Gill couldn’t settle either, giving Pakistan more hope.

But Varma’s composure held firm. He rebuilt the innings, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries while Pakistan’s bowlers struggled with fielding errors, including two dropped catches and a missed run-out by wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris.

Pakistan’s Batting Collapse

Earlier, Pakistan posted 146 runs in 19.1 overs, after a promising start.

· Sahibzada Farhan played a brisk knock of 57 off 38 balls, while Fakhar Zaman contributed 46 off 35.

· The duo gave Pakistan a flying start with an 84-run partnership.

However, once Farhan fell in the 10th over, Pakistan’s innings crumbled. From 113-2, they collapsed to 146 all out, losing their last 8 wickets for just 33 runs in a span of 38 deliveries.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler with 4-30, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker (17). Support came from Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy, who picked up one wicket each.

Trophy Ceremony Controversy

The final took a controversial turn during the post-match presentation. Reports confirmed that the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

· The ceremony was delayed for over an hour, with both players and officials waiting on the ground.

· Indian players, including Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, and Kuldeep Yadav, collected their individual awards but avoided receiving them directly from Naqvi.

· Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his squad later celebrated with a “mock trophy,” making a bold statement that quickly went viral across social media.

The Press Trust of India reported: “Indian team refuses to accept Asia Cup winners’ trophy from Pakistan minister and ACC head Mohsin Naqvi.”

Political Undercurrents in Cricket Rivalry

The India vs Pakistan rivalry has always carried political weight, and this Asia Cup final was no exception. The trophy boycott reflects tensions beyond cricket, as both nations continue to clash diplomatically. The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a thrilling contest, sparking debates on the intersection of sports and politics.