India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets to win 2025 Asia Cup final: Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav star in thriller

Tilak Varma played a match-defining innings, remaining unbeaten on 69, to guide India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan and claim their ninth Asia Cup title at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. His composed knock under immense pressure ensured India held their nerve in a high-octane final.

Kuldeep Yadav Triggers Pakistan's Dramatic Collapse
After Pakistan started confidently, cruising to 113/1, Kuldeep Yadav bowled beautifully to cause a dramatic collapse. In a sensational spell, Kuldeep claimed four wickets, including a pivotal three-wicket haul in the 17th over, as Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs — losing nine wickets for just 33 runs.

The spin trio of Kuldeep, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy ran through Pakistan’s middle and lower order. Kuldeep, who had been slightly expensive early on, returned with a miserly 4/30, supported by Axar and Chakaravarthy, while Jasprit Bumrah polished off the tail with two crucial wickets. Poor shot selection and reckless aerial strokes saw Pakistan tumble from a commanding position to a subpar total.


Tilak Varma's Gritty 69 Anchors India's Chase Under Pressure
India’s run chase began on a shaky note at 20/3, with early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. Tilak Varma, however, showed remarkable composure and controlled aggression, striking three fours and four sixes while forming crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33).

Varma’s calm under pressure and intelligent shot selection allowed India to navigate the tricky middle overs. He and Samson added 57 runs, followed by a 60-run stand with Dube, keeping India firmly in control. The finishing touch came from Rinku Singh, who sealed the victory with a boundary, leaving India victorious with two balls to spare.

Scorecard Highlights: Key Batting and Bowling Figures from the Final
Pakistan: 146 all out in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4/30)
India: 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69*, Shivam Dube 33)

Match Turning Moments & Final Over Drama
The chase had its tense moments. Early hesitations between Gill and Varma nearly led to a run-out. Samson and Varma then steadied the innings, punishing Ashraf and Nawaz for crucial boundaries.

Tilak’s calculated aggression paid off when he lofted Abrar Ahmed for six and followed it with precise drives and pulls to keep India ahead. Dube contributed with a huge six over mid-wicket and a timely four. Despite Dube’s dismissal, Varma continued to anchor the innings, hitting a six off Rauf before Rinku Singh finished the chase in style.

Pakistan's Early Promise and Collapse
Pakistan’s innings began brightly with an 84-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46). They looked set for a big total, but Kuldeep’s first breakthrough triggered a chain reaction.

Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Fakhar Zaman fell to the Indian spinners, while Axar Patel and Sanju Samson held onto crucial catches. Bumrah ended the innings by removing Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz, restricting Pakistan to 146, well below the par score they had been eyeing.