On a bright evening in Dubai, fans watched a match that will be talked about for years. The 2025 Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. What followed was drama, skill, tension — and controversy.
1. The Setup
First of all, this final was historic. For the first time since the Asia Cup began, India and Pakistan met in the final.
Also, India was the defending champion from 2023, so there was extra pressure to retain the title.
2. Pakistan’s Innings: A Fight That Fell Short
Pakistan batted first. Early on, things looked okay — they had some solid scores by middle-order players.
But then, Kuldeep Yadav stepped in and turned the tide. He claimed 4 wickets for 30 runs.
Because of that, Pakistan collapsed and were all out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
So by the time Pakistan’s innings ended, India knew the target: 147 runs.
3. India’s Chase: From Crisis to Triumph
At first, India’s chase seemed shaky. They lost early wickets and were under pressure.
But then, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube formed a calm, steady partnership. That changed everything.
- Varma played 69 not out off 53 balls — a composed, match-winning knock.
- Dube chipped in with 33.
As the overs went on, India edged closer. Finally, with just two balls to spare, Rinku Singh hit the winning shot. India finished at 150 for 5 in 19.4 overs.
Thus, India won by 5 wickets.
With this, India claimed their ninth Asia Cup title and retained the trophy.
4. But Wait — The Trophy Ceremony Sparks Outrage
Just when fans expected celebration, things took an unexpected turn.
Because of political tensions, India refused to accept the trophy and medals from Mohsin Naqvi (who is ACC President and holds ties with Pakistan).
That refusal delayed the formal ceremony. The trophy was even removed from the podium quietly.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, later said the champions were “denied” a moment to lift their trophy.
And so, while India won on the field, they didn’t get the typical public trophy lift in that moment.
5. Why It Matters
- First and foremost, this win adds to India’s glory in Asia Cup history.
- But also, it shows how sport and politics remain intertwined. Even a match meant for celebration got caught in controversy.
- And finally, it gave a moment to remember — both for fans who cheered India’s comeback and for those who felt the post-match decisions overshadowed it.
