Team India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in a high-voltage showdown at the Asia Cup final in Dubai today. Pakistan scored 146, which was chased down comfortably by the Indian team with two balls to spare. The star of the chase was Tilak Varma, who played an incredible half-century. With this win, India also completed a 3-0 record against Pakistan, becoming nine-time champions of the Asia Cup.
Varma and Dube Hold the Match
The innings was anchored by Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, displaying the patience and flair needed in such a high-pressure match. Shivam Dube provided crucial support with a quick 33 from 22 balls, forming a vital partnership that steadied India’s chase.
Great Decision to Bowl First
The decision by Suryakumar Yadav to bowl first paid off handsomely. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel kept the pressure mounting throughout the innings. Kuldeep returned 4/30, Chakravarthy 2/30, and Axar Patel 2/26. Adding to the dominance, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his trademark accuracy with 2/25, making it a collective bowling masterclass.
Strong Start for Pakistan
Pakistan got off to a fierce start with Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) putting together an 84-run stand in just 10 overs. While the start suggested a big total, India’s spinners quickly turned the tide, triggering a collapse. Pakistan lost 9 wickets for just 33 runs, never recovering from the pressure.
Flashpoint of the Match
The key moment of controversy came in the 18th over when Bumrah bowled a yorker that sneaked past Haris Rauf and smashed the stumps. Bumrah celebrated with a dipping-flight gesture, seemingly in response to Rauf’s own signature style. The gesture echoed a similar incident from the previous match, which had fueled Pakistan’s claims regarding Indian jets during Operation Sindoor.
