Unbeaten Varma Lights Up Dubai: Men in Blue Crush Pakistan for Asia Cup 2025 Crown

A Final for the Ages

India pulled off an incredible turnaround to claim their ninth Asia Cup title, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. In a classic Indo-Pak rivalry clash, India chased down 147 after early setbacks, marking their third victory over Pakistan in this tournament—following wins in the group stage and the Super Four.

This was the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan, adding to the electric atmosphere inside the buzzing Dubai stadium.

Pakistan’s Bright Start Cut Short by Kuldeep’s Magic

Pakistan’s openers gave them the perfect launchpad, with Sahibzada Farhan’s quickfire 50 (38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman’s 46 pushing the total past 100. At 113/1, they looked set for a massive score.

But Kuldeep Yadav’s sensational 4/30 changed everything. His 17th over proved decisive—three wickets for just one run triggered a collapse, reducing Pakistan from 113/1 to 146 all out. Support came from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah, who picked two wickets each to wrap up the innings.

India’s Chase Rocked Early

The chase started nervously as India slumped to 20/3 inside four overs, losing Abhishek Sharma, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and vice-captain Shubman Gill.

At this point, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson rebuilt with a steady 57-run stand. Samson fell for 24, but Shivam Dube (33) joined Varma to add 60 runs off 40 balls, swinging momentum back in India’s favor.

Varma’s Brilliance and a Dramatic Finish

Needing 10 runs off the final over bowled by Haris Rauf, India held their nerve. Tilak Varma smashed a four and a towering six, before Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary on the fourth ball.

Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 48 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on his knock, he said: “It was all about staying calm and trusting ourselves.”

Pakistan’s Pain, India’s Supremacy

Fahim Ashraf bowled with discipline, but Pakistan’s collapse after a strong start proved costly. For India, the blend of varied bowling and intelligent batting under pressure highlighted their dominance.

This victory reinforced India’s supremacy in Asian cricket while intensifying the regional rivalry. As fireworks lit up the Dubai night sky, the message was clear: subcontinental cricket is only set to burn brighter in the days ahead.