Dubai: India stamped their authority on Asian cricket yet again, defending their continental crown with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. With Kuldeep Yadav spinning a web around Pakistan’s batters and Tilak Varma producing a match-winning knock under pressure, India secured their ninth Asia Cup title in emphatic fashion.

Kuldeep’s Spell Turns the Tide

Put in to bat first, Pakistan made a strong start and were 113 for one in the 13th over, looking set for a big score. But India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav, had other ideas. The left-arm spinner delivered a decisive spell of four wickets for 30 runs, breaking the back of Pakistan’s innings and sparking a collapse that saw them bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.

Reflecting on his performance, Kuldeep said: “It is very important to bowl well in the middle overs. They started strongly and were 100 for one after 11 overs. We knew if we could get a couple of wickets, then it wouldn’t be easy for the new batters. I was trying to get them out rather than just contain. Before the game, we had clear plans on lengths, and I stuck to that. Thankfully it worked, and once the wickets came, the momentum was with us.”

Varun Chakravarthy, who also applied pressure with the ball, added: “Fakhar and Farhan were going well, so I had to go for wickets. Some of the planning worked perfectly. Kuldeep then came in and finished things off. In T20s, the first 10 overs are usually high-scoring, but if you bowl in the right areas later, you can control the game. That’s exactly what we did.”

Tilak Varma Leads the Chase

Chasing 147, India faced early jitters, but Tilak Varma played a knock of remarkable maturity, scoring 69 off 53 balls. Supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube at crucial moments, Tilak guided India to victory with just two balls to spare.

Speaking about his innings, Tilak said: “It was a bit of pressure, but I wanted to stay at the wicket and finish the game for my country. They were mixing up the pace, so I just tried to stay calm. Sanju played a fantastic knock which was important for the team, and the way Dube batted helped me and the country. Gauti bhai told us to be flexible, to be ready for every position, and that gave me confidence. I had worked on sweep shots and strike rotation on slow wickets, and that preparation paid off. This is one of the best innings of my life, and it is special for every Indian. Chak de India!”

Sanju Samson, who built a crucial partnership with Tilak, said: “I haven’t played many India–Pakistan games, but the pressure is always there. I had to use my experience, calm my nerves, watch the ball and react. That partnership with Tilak was really important. The IPL has taught us how to respect conditions and situations, and that helped me today. In the end, it was about timing the ball and soaking up the pressure. Matches like this test your character, and I really enjoyed the challenge.”

Shubman Gill echoed the sentiment: “The whole tournament unbeaten – it feels amazing. Batting with Abhishek is always special since we know each other inside out. Losing early wickets made it tricky, but partnerships with Sanju and Tilak steadied things. The key was to take it deep and not panic. In the final against Pakistan, even a small target can create pressure. Tilak and Dube batted brilliantly at the end to finish it off.”

A Captain’s Gesture of Pride

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav not only led with composure but also made a heartfelt announcement after the match. “I want to give my match fees from every game I played in this tournament to the Indian Army,” he declared at the post-match press conference, earning admiration from fans across the country.

On the unusual presentation ceremony, where India celebrated with the champion’s banner instead of the trophy, Suryakumar said: “In all my years of playing and following cricket, I have never seen such a situation. A champion team being denied a trophy – it was unbelievable. But what matters most is that this was a hard-earned victory. We played two strong games on back-to-back days, and I felt we truly deserved it. I don’t want to say much more beyond that.”

Voices from the Camp

Player of the Tournament, Abhishek Sharma, summed up his approach: “Getting into this team after winning the World Cup was not easy. The plan was always to show intent from ball one. If I make an impact in the powerplay, the team benefits. Failures will come, but the captain and coach gave me complete support, and that made all the difference.”

Bowling coach Morne Morkel praised the group’s discipline: “It wasn’t our best powerplay with the bat, but the players summed up the conditions really well with the ball. Dube stepping up with the new ball was something we discussed, especially after Hardik’s injury, and he delivered. In finals, it’s about holding your nerve, and our boys did that beautifully.”

Shivam Dube, who played a vital role with both bat and ball, said: “My role was clear – support Tilak and take the game deep. Hitting those big sixes in the final was a special feeling. With the ball, I just tried to do what the team needed in Hardik’s absence. The trust from the management really motivated me.”

Champions of Asia, Once More

With an unbeaten campaign, India proved beyond doubt that they remain the powerhouse of Asian cricket. From Kuldeep’s spellbinding spin to Tilak’s composure and Suryakumar’s leadership, every player contributed to a triumph that will be remembered not just for the cricket, but also for the pride and character displayed.

India’s ninth Asia Cup crown was more than a title – it was a celebration of skill, unity, and national spirit.

As Tilak put it: “This victory is for every Indian. Chak de India!”