India crowned Asia Cup 2025 champions after beating Pakistan in Dubai

Dubai (Web Desk): India once again lifted the Asia Cup trophy after edging past Pakistan by five wickets in a gripping final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 147, the Men in Blue sealed victory in 19.4 overs, overcoming early setbacks to cross the finish line.

The Indian innings got off to a shaky start as Pakistan’s pace attack struck early. Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Shah Afridi dismantled the top order, removing Abhishek Sharma (5), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12) to leave India struggling at 20/3 inside four overs.

Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson steadied the ship with a vital 57-run stand before Samson departed for 24, caught off Abrar Ahmed in the 13th over. Varma, however, stood firm and found support in Shivam Dube, who added a quick 33 from 22 balls. The pair built a match-winning 60-run partnership before Faheem struck again in the penultimate over. Varma remained unbeaten on 69 from 53 balls, laced with four sixes and three boundaries, guiding India home with composure.

Faheem Ashraf was Pakistan’s best bowler, finishing with 3/29, while Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs despite a commanding start. Openers Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) powered their side to 84/0 before the halfway stage. But once Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Farhan in the 10th over, the innings unraveled.

Saim Ayub’s brief 14-run cameo ended in the 13th over against Kuldeep Yadav, and soon after, wickets tumbled in clusters. Pakistan’s middle order collapsed dramatically, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs in the space of 38 balls. Fakhar’s dismissal in the 15th over effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes as the side folded for a below-par total.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling with figures of 4/30, while Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Chakravarthy bagged two wickets each.

Despite early pressure, India’s middle order and disciplined bowling effort ensured they claimed the Asia Cup 2025 title, extending their dominance in regional cricket.