Key points
- Pakistan collapse after strong opening stand
- Haris Rauf’s poor spell proves costly
- Rivalry intensifies amid political tension
ISLAMABAD: India overcame Pakistan by five wickets in a tense final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing their ninth continental title. Despite the modest 147-run target, India – ranked the top T20I side in the world – found themselves under pressure, highlighting the intensity of the long-standing cricket rivalry between the two nations.
“It is very much a rivalry,” commentators noted, pointing to the electrifying atmosphere inside a packed stadium and the emotional reactions from both camps.
From Indian fans’ visible disappointment during Pakistan’s highs to Gautam Gambhir’s animated celebrations after a key boundary from Shivam Dube, the match captured the essence of this storied contest.
Pakistan entered the final still seeking a “perfect” performance, having lost both group stage encounters against India. A strong 84-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) seemed to lay the platform. However, Farhan’s dismissal in the 10th over triggered a middle-order collapse.
Dropping power-hitter
The decision to drop power-hitter Hasan Nawaz in favour of the more traditional Hussain Talat proved costly. None of the middle-order batters, including captain Salman Ali Agha, were able to build on the opening stand. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 146, giving India a modest total to chase.
India’s top order struggled early, losing key batters Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav quickly. Faheem Ashraf’s fiery celebrations and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s precision lifted Pakistan’s hopes, especially after Salman’s diving catch removed the Indian skipper.
Wayward bowling from Haris Rauf
But Tilak Varma anchored India’s response with a composed, unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries. He capitalised on wayward bowling from Haris Rauf, who endured a difficult spell. Dube provided powerful support with a brisk 33 off 22, striking two sixes and two fours before falling to Faheem.
By the time Rinku Singh struck the winning runs, the contest was all but over. Despite India’s victory, many pointed to the controversial political backdrop of the tournament, as well as moments of brilliance from both sides, as reminders that “It is very much a rivalry.”
