Dubai, UAE : In a gripping final at the Dubai International Stadium, India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 5 wickets in a nail-biting finish.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 147 runs, challenging India’s batting depth on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers. Despite early setbacks,India held their nerve and chased down the target in the final over, showing resilience and composure under pressure.
The standout performer of the match was Tilak Varma, whose mature innings of 69 not out off 53 balls, including crucial boundaries, anchored India’s chase. His calm presence at the crease steadied the innings when the game was in the balance.
Supporting Varma wereanju Samson (24)and Shivam Dube (33), who both played vital roles in building partnerships during the middle overs. The match reached its climax in the final over when Rinku Singh sealed the victory with a boundary, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
This win marks India’s ninth Asia Cup title, having previously won the tournament seven times in the ODI format and once in T20s. The final added another chapter to the intense cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan, with India once again emerging victorious on a big stage.
Despite Pakistan’s strong bowling attack and a spirited performance, they fell short in defending their total. The defeat adds to their string of recent losses against India in high-stakes matches.
India’s consistent dominance in the Asia Cup, particularly across formats, continues to highlight their depth, talent, and ability to perform under pressure. As cricket fans around the world celebrated this classic contest, the Indian team once again proved why they are a formidable force in Asian cricket.