Steely India outclass Pakistan to lift Asia Cup
Despite their shaky start in the chase, Indian batters gradually shifted momentum. Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube steered India back into contention.
Morning doesn't always foretell the entire day! Pakistan's innings began with a flourish, but by its end the sparkle had disappeared. And though India's chase started disastrously—losing three wickets for 20 runs—it was exactly such a turnaround (from resistance to aggression) that showed which team truly belonged in the final. Against all odds, India showed steely resolve and won. They beat Pakistan by five wickets to become 17-time Asia Cup champions.
Put in to bat, Pakistan posted just 146 all out. India, in response, chased it down while keeping five wickets in hand. Across both the ODI and T20 editions, this is India's ninth Asia Cup title.
Despite their shaky start in the chase, Indian batters gradually shifted momentum. Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube steered India back into contention. A 57-run stand between Samson and Varma (from 50 balls) for the fourth wicket, and later a 60-run partnership off 40 balls between Dube and Varma for the fifth wicket, significantly accelerated India's path to victory.
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Under pressure, Tilak Varma played brilliantly. He remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes. Sanju Samson struck 24 off 21 balls before falling, and Shivam Dube made 33 off 22.
In the final over, India needed 10. The first ball fetched 2 runs, the second went for six, leaving 2 runs off 4 balls. When 1 run was taken, the strike shifted to Rinku Singh, who hammered a four to secure victory with two balls to spare.
For Pakistan, their initial burst looked promising. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put on 84 before running into trouble. Farhan (57 off 38) was dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy's googly, caught by Tilak Varma. At 113 for 1, Pakistan seemed poised, but then collapsed.
From that point, the Pakistani innings crumbled—losing nine wickets for only 33 runs. Fakhar Zaman was the next best with 46 from 35 balls. Saim Ayub also got into double digits.
In the bowling department, India's spin attack was lethal. Kuldeep Yadav picked up 4 for 30, and Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets each to snuff out Pakistan's resistance.
In sum, India's superior temperament—raising their game when needed—won them this thriller against their arch-rival.
