India clinched the Asia Cup title with a thrilling 5-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, thanks to a match-winning knock from Tilak Varma.
Batting first, Pakistan made a flying start as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 84 runs in just 9.4 overs. However, once the partnership was broken, Pakistan collapsed dramatically. Losing wickets at regular intervals, they were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Farhan scored 57 off 38 balls with five fours and three sixes, while Zaman made 46 off 35 balls. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled, with several players dismissed for single-digit scores.
In reply, India also stumbled early, losing three wickets quickly. But Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a brilliant performance. His composed batting guided India to the target with two balls to spare, securing a 5-wicket win and their fifth Asia Cup title.