India on Sunday defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a last-over nail-biter to claim their ninth Asia Cup title.
The match started with India winning the toss and opting to field.
After the toss, both teams did not shake hands, but a new tradition appeared as Pakistani commentator spoke with captain Salman Agha while an Indian commentator spoke with Suryakumar Yadav.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a strong start with an 84-run partnership. Farhan scored 57 off 38 balls with five 4s and three 6s, while Zaman hit 46 off 35 deliveries. After Farhan’s dismissal, Pakistan collapsed and lost all ten wickets for just another 62 runs. Eight batsmen failed to reach double figures as Saim Ayub scored 14, Salman Agha managed eight and Mohammad Nawaz added six.
Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling attack with four wickets for 30 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each. Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs, setting India a target of 147 runs.
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill opened for India. Faheem Ashraf struck early, dismissing Sharma for five with the total at just seven runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Suryakumar Yadav in the third over, caught brilliantly by Salman Agha. Ashraf struck again in the fourth over, sending Gill back for 12.
India stood at 54 for 3 after nine overs. Samson tried to stabilise the innings but Abrar Ahmed removed him for 24, leaving India 78 for 4 in the 13th over. Pakistan created more chances but Hussain Talat dropped a simple catch, enabling Tilak Varma to take control, building partnerships and pushing the scoreboard forward.
He received good support from Shivam Dube, who smashed 33 off 22 balls before Ashraf dismissed him in the 19th over. India needed only 17 runs from the last two overs and crossed the finish line comfortably with five wickets in hand.
Pakistan’s batting collapse cost them dearly after a strong opening stand. India showed composure under pressure, with Varma guiding the chase in style.
With this victory, India lifted their ninth Asia Cup trophy, strengthening their dominance in the tournament’s history.