Tilak guides India to title after Pakistan collapse: 2025 Asia Cup Final (Dubai)

Tilak Varma anchored a shaky Indian chase as they defeated Pakistan by five wickets in a tense 2025 Asia Cup T20 final at the Dubai International Stadium to claim their ninth title.

Pakistan, after a brisk start led by Sahibzada Farhan’s 57 and Fakhar Zaman’s 46, were restricted to 146 all out in 19.1 overs as Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket burst triggered a late collapse. Pakistan lost 9 wickets for 31 runs.

India’s chase began shakily at 20 for 3, but Tilak Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, before Rinku Singh sealed victory with a boundary in the 20th over.

The night ended controversially when the Indian team refused to accept the trophy and medals from ACC president and Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting the political tension despite a thrilling cricket contest.

India 150 for 5 (Tilak 69*, Dube 33, Faheem 3-29) beat Pakistan 146 (Farhan 57, Fakhar 46, Kuldeep 4-30) by five wickets.

Sept 2025.