Asia Cup 2025 Final — India vs Pakistan: Tilak Varma’s Heroics, Kuldeep’s Magic, and a Presentation Row

Published: September 28, 2025 · Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium · By: [Your Name]

Result: India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets (chased 147) — India lift the Asia Cup 2025 title.
Date: September 28, 2025 · Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Match summary

In a tense and dramatic final at Dubai, India chased down Pakistan’s total of 146 and won the Asia Cup 2025 by five wickets. India’s chase was steadied by a match-winning unbeaten 69 from Tilak Varma, supported by a vital middle-order contribution from Shivam Dube. Pakistan looked in control early (they reached 113/1) but suffered a dramatic collapse triggered by Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket spell, which turned the match in India’s favour.

Score snapshot

Pakistan innings

• Pakistan 146 all out (19.1 overs)
• Top contributors early: strong opening partnership to 113/1
• Key bowling for India: Kuldeep Yadav 4-30, supporting wickets from Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel.

India chase

• India 147/5 (19.4 overs) — Tilak Varma 69* (53), Shivam Dube 33
• Rinku Singh finished the chase with the winning runs; India sealed the match with two balls to spare.

Key performers

• Tilak Varma (India) — unbeaten 69 to anchor the chase and the obvious Player of the Match candidate.
• Kuldeep Yadav (India) — 4 wickets, pivotal in triggering Pakistan’s collapse.
• Shivam Dube (India) — important finishing partnership with Varma.
• Pakistan top-order — a strong start but the middle-lower order folded under pressure.

The presentation controversy

Off the field, the post-match presentation drew headlines: India’s players declined to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President — who is also the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board — citing political tensions between the countries. As a result, the full presentation ceremony was curtailed and only select individual awards were accepted while the trophy-handover became a flashpoint in the aftermath of the match.

What this win means

India's victory adds another Asia Cup to their record — reinforcing their dominance in the continental competition. On a team level, the win highlights India’s bench strength and temperament in pressure chases. For Pakistan, the match will lead to questions about middle-order resilience after a promising start.

Quotes & reaction

Post-match reactions were a mix of sporting praise for the players and diplomatic caution from officials. Political and cricket boards' statements are expected in follow-up days as administrators and governments react to both the cricketing result and the events at the awards ceremony.

Full match coverage & scorecard

Read the detailed scorecard, ball-by-ball commentary and stats at ESPNcricinfo: Asia Cup 2025 final — India v Pakistan (ESPNcricinfo)

Quick takeaways

1. Late-order collapses can flip a match — Kuldeep’s spin changed the game.
2. Tilak Varma announced himself on a big stage with a calm, composed chase anchor innings.
3. Sport and politics intersected when India declined the trophy presentation, ensuring the match will be remembered for both cricket and controversy.

Sources: Match reports and live coverage from ESPNcricinfo, Reuters, AP, NDTV and Al Jazeera. Published: September 28, 2025.