The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights are still buzzing across cricket fandom, as India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title in a heart-pounding 5-wicket victory on September 28, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 147, India were reeling at 20/3 before Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69* and Shivam Dube’s explosive 33 steered them home with just two balls to spare. Kuldeep Yadav’s sensational 4-30, including a triple-wicket over, triggered Pakistan’s dramatic collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out. But the drama didn’t end there—a post-match trophy controversy involving India’s refusal to accept the award from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi added a surreal twist to an already electric night.
This match wasn’t just cricket; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the fierce India-Pakistan rivalry. India’s 17-0 unbeaten streak in multi-nation T20 tournaments since 2023 and their 9-0 chase record against Pakistan in T20Is underscored their dominance. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or a casual reader, this recap dives deep into every moment, stat, and controversy. Stick around for the full story, share your favorite highlight in the comments, and follow IPL Star for more cricket updates!
The Stage is Set: India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Final
India 9th Asia Cup title 2025 The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final was more than a game—it was a clash of titans, steeped in decades of rivalry. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, entered as favorites, unbeaten in the tournament (7-0) and boasting a flawless 9-0 record in T20I chases against Pakistan. Pakistan, under stand-in captain Salman Agha, had clawed their way to the final with a 2-1 Super Fours record, powered by Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive batting.
India won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on dew to aid their chase and their spin-heavy attack to exploit Dubai’s slow pitch. A key change saw Rinku Singh replace the injured Hardik Pandya, thrusting Shivam Dube into the new-ball role. The stage was set for a blockbuster, with 25,000 fans packing the stadium and millions watching on SonyLIV and Sony Sports Network.
| Match Context Stats | India | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament Record | 7-0 | 4-2 (Super Fours: 2-1) |
| T20I Head-to-Head Win % | 81.25% | 18.75% |
| Finals Record vs Each Other | 5-8 (India leads) | 3-8 |
Pakistan’s Innings: From Fiery Start to Stunning Collapse
Powerplay: Farhan and Fakhar Set the Tone
Pakistan collapse 113/1 to 146 Pakistan’s innings began with fireworks, as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman posted 45/0 in the powerplay (7.50 RPO). Farhan, in scintillating form, took on Jasprit Bumrah, smashing a pulled four and a lofted six over long-off in the fourth over (13 runs). Fakhar complemented with a boundary off Shivam Dube, who bowled tightly (3-0-23-0) in Hardik’s absence. India’s spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, kept things in check, conceding just 13 runs in the fifth and sixth overs.
“Farhan and Fakhar were going well. We knew we had to bowl in the right areas to curtail them,” said Varun Chakaravarthy post-match (Cricbuzz).
| Pakistan Powerplay (Overs 1-6) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 45/0 |
| Run Rate | 7.50 |
| 4s/6s | 5/1 |
| Key Performers | Farhan (26*), Fakhar (14*) |
Middle Overs: Spinners Make Inroads
Pakistan accelerated in the middle overs (7-14), scoring 82/4 at 9.28 RPO. Farhan reached a 35-ball fifty, pulling Kuldeep Yadav for a six and hammering Varun for another. The 84-run opening stand ended when Varun dismissed Farhan (57 off 38, 5×4, 3×6), caught at midwicket. Kuldeep struck next, removing Saim Ayub (14), while Axar got Mohammad Haris (0) for a duck. Fakhar (46 off 35) kept the scoreboard ticking with a six off Varun but fell slicing to backward point, leaving Pakistan at 126/4.
“We knew after 10 overs, a couple of wickets would make it tough for new batters,” said Kuldeep (ESPNcricinfo).
| Pakistan Middle Overs (7-14) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 82/4 |
| Run Rate | 9.28 |
| 4s/6s | 4/4 |
| Key Performers | Farhan (57), Fakhar (46) |
Death Overs: Kuldeep Triggers Pakistan’s 9-for-33 Collapse
The death overs (15-20) were a nightmare for Pakistan, crumbling to 18/6 at 4.32 RPO. Kuldeep Yadav’s 17th over was the turning point, claiming Salman Agha (8), Shaheen Afridi (0, lbw), and Faheem Ashraf (0) for just seven runs. Axar removed Hussain Talat (1), and Bumrah (2-25) dismissed Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz, wrapping up Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs. The collapse from 113/1 to 146 was Pakistan’s third-worst after reaching 100+ for one in T20Is, with spinners taking 8 wickets—a Pakistan record.
“We didn’t finish well with the bat. Losing too many wickets hurt us,” admitted Salman Agha (Cricbuzz).
| Pakistan Death Overs (15-20) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 18/6 |
| Run Rate | 4.32 |
| 4s/6s | 1/0 |
| Key Bowlers | Kuldeep (4-30), Bumrah (2-25) |
Watch Kuldeep’s triple-wicket over here (SonyLIV).
India’s Innings: From 20/3 to a Thrilling Chase
Powerplay: Early Wickets Jolt India
India 9th Asia Cup title 2025 India’s chase began disastrously, slumping to 20/3 in the powerplay (6.00 RPO). Abhishek Sharma (5) miscued Faheem Ashraf to mid-on, Suryakumar Yadav (1) holed out to long-off off Shaheen Afridi, and Shubman Gill (12) fell to Faheem at mid-on. Pakistan’s bowlers mixed pace and slower balls effectively, with Shaheen (1-20) and Faheem (3-29) exploiting the slow pitch.
“The pressure was there. I had to calm my nerves and watch the ball,” said Sanju Samson (ESPNcricinfo).
| India Powerplay (1-6) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 36/3 |
| Run Rate | 6.00 |
| 4s/6s | 4/1 |
| Key Bowlers | Faheem (2 wickets), Shaheen (1 wicket) |
Middle Overs: Samson and Tilak Steady the Ship
The middle overs (7-14) saw India recover with 64/1 at 7.11 RPO. Sanju Samson (24 off 21) and Tilak Varma forged a 57-run stand, surviving a dropped catch (Samson on 12 by Hussain Talat). Tilak’s elegant cover drives and a six off Abrar Ahmed kept India alive, though Abrar (1-29) broke through by dismissing Samson. The required rate climbed to 10.5, but Tilak’s composure and Dube’s arrival eased the pressure.
“I enjoyed the India-Pakistan pressure. Years of IPL taught me to time the ball,” said Samson (ESPNcricinfo).
| India Middle Overs (7-14) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 64/1 |
| Run Rate | 7.11 |
| 4s/6s | 4/3 |
| Key Partnership | Tilak-Samson (57 runs) |
Death Overs: Tilak and Dube Seal India’s Ninth Title
The death overs (15-20) exploded with 50/1 at 10.71 RPO. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69* (53 balls, 3×4, 4×6) was the backbone, reaching a 41-ball fifty. Shivam Dube’s 33 (22 balls, 2×4, 2×6) included a massive six off Abrar. Haris Rauf’s 15th over leaked 17 runs, shifting momentum. Needing 10 off the final over, Tilak smashed a six off Rauf to level the scores, and Rinku Singh’s first-ball four sealed the win.
“This is one of the most special knocks of my life,” said Tilak (Cricbuzz).
| India Death Overs (15-20) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Runs/Wickets | 50/1 |
| Run Rate | 10.71 |
| 4s/6s | 2/3 |
| Key Performers | Tilak (69*), Dube (33) |
ESPNcricinfo
Watch Tilak’s match-sealing six and Rinku’s winning four (SonyLIV).
Standout Stars: Kuldeep, Tilak, and More
Player Ratings
- Kuldeep Yadav (9/10): His 4-30, including a triple-wicket over, flipped the game. His 17 wickets in the tournament tied the record for a Full Member player.
- Tilak Varma (9.5/10): Player of the Match for his unbeaten 69*, a career-defining knock under pressure.
- Varun Chakaravarthy (8/10): 2-30, breaking the 84-run opening stand.
- Sahibzada Farhan (8/10): 57 off 38, including 3 sixes off Bumrah, but couldn’t convert.
- Faheem Ashraf (7.5/10): 3-29 with the ball, though his final over was costly.
- Jasprit Bumrah (7/10): 2-25, with a fiery send-off to Haris Rauf.
| Player Stats | Runs/Wickets | SR/ECO |
|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4-30 | 7.50 |
| Tilak Varma | 69* (53) | 130.19 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 2-30 | 7.50 |
| Sahibzada Farhan | 57 (38) | 150.00 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 3-29 | 7.20 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 2-25 | 7.90 |
“Kuldeep’s a star. It reminded me of our KKR days,” said Varun (Cricbuzz).
Trophy Controversy: India’s Stand Against Mohsin Naqvi
Asia Cup 2025 final trophy controversy The match’s drama spilled into the post-match ceremony, as India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister. The standoff delayed the presentation by over an hour, with India leaving without medals or trophy. Suryakumar Yadav mimed lifting an imaginary trophy, drawing cheers from teammates.
“Never seen a champion team denied a hard-earned trophy,” said Suryakumar (Cricbuzz). “If the ACC has a president, it’s his job to give the trophy,” countered Salman Agha (ESPNcricinfo).
The controversy, rooted in geopolitical tensions, saw India’s players pose on the dais with a “champions” sign, which was quickly removed. Suryakumar later announced donating his match fees to the Indian Armed Forces, a gesture that resonated with fans.
Poll: Did India’s trophy stance overshadow their win?
- Yes, it stole the spotlight.
- No, the victory matters more. Comment below with your thoughts!
India-Pakistan Cricket Politics
Stats That Defined the Asia Cup 2025 Final
The final broke records and set new benchmarks:
- India’s 9-0 Chase Record: Most 100% wins chasing vs any opponent in T20Is.
- Kuldeep’s 17 Wickets: Joint-most in a T20I tournament (with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Arshdeep Singh).
- Pakistan’s 33/9 Collapse: Third-worst after 100+ for one in T20Is.
- Tilak’s 69*: Second-highest score at No. 4 or lower in a T20I final.
- India’s 17-0 Streak: Unbeaten in multi-nation T20s since 2023.
| Key Records | Details |
|---|---|
| India’s T20I Chases vs Pakistan | 9-0, 100% win rate |
| Kuldeep’s Asia Cup Wickets | 36 (most ever, surpassing Malinga’s 33) |
| Pakistan’s Collapse | 33/9 from 113/1 |
| Tilak’s Chase Stats | 370 runs, 92.50 avg in 11 T20I chases |
ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz
Tactics and Turning Points: How India Outplayed Pakistan
India’s victory hinged on three moments:
- Kuldeep’s 17th Over: His triple-wicket haul (Agha, Afridi, Ashraf) derailed Pakistan, restricting them to 146.
- Rauf’s Costly 15th Over: Leaking 17 runs, including Dube’s six, dropped the required rate from 10.5 to 9.4.
- Tilak’s Final-Over Six: Leveling the scores with a pull off Rauf showcased his composure.
India’s spin trio (Kuldeep, Varun, Axar) took 8 wickets, exploiting Pakistan’s aggressive slogging. Pakistan’s top-heavy batting lacked depth, while India’s flexible order (Tilak at No. 4, Dube at No. 6) absorbed pressure.
“Dube set the tone with the ball and bat,” said coach Morne Morkel (Cricbuzz).
Road to T20 World Cup 2026: Lessons from Asia Cup 2025
India’s depth shone without Hardik Pandya, with Tilak, Dube, and Rinku stepping up. Kuldeep’s form cements his T20 WC 2026 spot, while Varun and Axar bolster the spin attack. Pakistan must address their middle-order fragility, as only Farhan and Fakhar crossed 15. A rebuild around younger batters like Saim Ayub is crucial.
Poll: Who will dominate the next India-Pakistan clash?
- India’s depth
- Pakistan’s firepower Share your prediction below!
Explore our Asia Cup 2025 Preview Guide
A Classic Rivalry, A Historic Win
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights will echo in cricket lore—a tale of collapses, comebacks, and controversy. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69*, Kuldeep’s 4 wickets, and India’s 9th Asia Cup title cemented their T20 dominance. Despite the trophy snub, Suryakumar’s words—“my real trophies are in the dressing room”—captured India’s spirit. Watch highlights on SonyLIV and share your favorite moment below!
FAQ: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final
1. What Were the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final Highlights?
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights include Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69* guiding India to a 5-wicket win, Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-30 triggering Pakistan’s collapse from 113/1 to 146, and Rinku Singh’s winning four. The match, held on September 28, 2025, in Dubai, was a thriller, with India chasing 147 with two balls left. Watch highlights on SonyLIV.
2. Why Did India Win Their 9th Asia Cup Title in 2025?
India clinched their 9th Asia Cup title in 2025 due to Tilak Varma’s composed 69*, Shivam Dube’s 33, and Kuldeep Yadav’s game-changing 4 wickets. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Pakistan’s batting collapsed (33/9 after 113/1), and India’s depth shone despite an early 20/3. Their 9-0 T20I chase record vs Pakistan sealed the deal. Read more about India’s titles.
3. How Did Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 Wickets Impact the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Kuldeep Yadav’s 4 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final, including a triple-wicket 17th over (Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf), caused Pakistan’s collapse from 113/1 to 146. His 4-30 earned him 17 tournament wickets, tying the T20I record. Kuldeep Yadav 4 wickets Asia Cup 2025 Explore Kuldeep’s stats.
4. What Was Tilak Varma’s Role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 Final Win?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69* (53 balls, 3×4, 4×6) was pivotal, rescuing India from 20/3. Tilak Varma unbeaten 69 Asia Cup final His 57-run stand with Sanju Samson and 60 with Shivam Dube, plus a six off Haris Rauf in the final over, sealed the chase. He earned Player of the Match. Tilak’s T20I journey.
5. Why Did Pakistan Collapse in the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Pakistan’s collapse from 113/1 to 146 (33/9) was sparked by Kuldeep’s spin (4-30) and Varun Chakaravarthy’s 2-30. Poor shot selection and 8 wickets to spinners—a Pakistan T20I record—ended their hopes. Pakistan collapse 113/1 to 146 Analyze Pakistan’s batting issues.
6. What Was the Asia Cup 2025 Final Trophy Controversy?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights India refused to accept the trophy from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, causing a delayed presentation. Asia Cup 2025 final trophy controversy Suryakumar Yadav mimed lifting an imaginary trophy, stating, “My real trophies are in the dressing room” (Cricbuzz). Read about Indo-Pak cricket politics.
7. How Did Shivam Dube Contribute in the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Shivam Dube, replacing Hardik Pandya, scored 33 (22 balls, 2×4, 2×6) and bowled 3-0-23-0. His 60-run stand with Tilak and a six off Abrar were crucial. Dube’s all-round role.
8. What Records Were Broken in the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights India’s 9-0 chase record vs Pakistan, Kuldeep’s 36 Asia Cup wickets (most ever), and Pakistan’s 8 wickets to spin were records set. India 9th Asia Cup title 2025 India’s 17-0 T20 multi-nation streak continued. Full stats breakdown.
9. How Did India’s Spinners Outshine Pakistan in the 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights Kuldeep (4-30), Varun (2-30), and Axar (2-26) took 8 wickets, exploiting Pakistan’s aggressive batting. India 9th Asia Cup title 2025 Their control contrasted Pakistan’s collapse. India’s spin strategy.
10. What’s Next for India After the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final highlights India’s depth (Tilak, Dube, Rinku) and spin strength position them as T20 World Cup 2026 favorites. India 9th Asia Cup title 2025 Pakistan needs middle-order fixes. T20 WC 2026 preview.