India and Pakistan played against each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan raced to a remarkable start, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting India on the back foot. Farhan raced away to 57 from 38 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Fakhar contributed 46 from 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Their partnership of 84 had Pakistan cruising at 113/1 in 12.4 overs and looking like they were set for an imposing total.

However, everything changed when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Farhan. From that point, Pakistan’s innings collapsed. Kuldeep Yadav bowled brilliantly, finishing with 4/30. Axar Patel (2/26) and Chakravarthy (2/30) also kept things tight. Pakistan’s middle order struggled badly, with only Saim Ayub managing 14 runs. None of the other batters could reach double figures, and Pakistan lost nine wickets for just 33 runs. They were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Jasprit Bumrah also helped with two wickets for 25 runs.

Chasing 147, India had early trouble. They lost Abhishek Sharma (5), Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12) inside the first four overs, falling to 20/3. The pressure was on, but Tilak Varma played a match-winning knock. He stayed unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Sanju Samson scored 24 from 21 balls, while Shivam Dube hit 33 off 22 with two fours and two sixes. Their partnerships gave India control again. In the final over, Tilak smashed a six off Haris Rauf before Rinku Singh (9* off 5) hit the winning boundary to secure a five-wicket win. India lifted their ninth Asia Cup title in style. Below are the main reasons for Pakistan defeat:

1. Dramatic Batting Collapse

After a great start with Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) putting on 84 runs together, they lost their way when Farhan got out. Once that happened, the rest of the batting and nine wickets fell for only 33 runs, ultimately, after being at 113/1, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 not having any partnerships of substance.

2. Lethal Indian Spin Attack

India's spin bowlers excelled in the middle overs. In particular, Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets for 30 runs, Axar Patel took 2 for 26, and Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 30. They bowled in tight areas and achieved some big wickets, including Kuldeep taking three wickets in an over which really stifled Pakistan's scoring.

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3. Inability to Counter Pressure

The middle order of Pakistan was under pressure in a big final. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were unable to capitalize on their starts. The number of wickets lost left Pakistan with a below-par total that was easy for India to chase.