New Delhi

The evening sky over Dubai International Cricket Stadium glittered with anticipation. Flags waved in unison, drums echoed across the packed stands, and the colours of blue and green painted the crowd in equal measure. On this stage of rivalry and pride, India and Pakistan were ready to decide who would be crowned the champions of the Asia Cup 2025.

The toss went Pakistan’s way, and their captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first. It was a decision that felt bold under the lights, especially against India’s powerful bowling attack. The Pakistani openers strode to the crease with intent, starting brightly by finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries. For the first 10 overs, it looked as if the decision to bat would pay off. At 84 for 1, Pakistan’s innings had momentum, and the green-clad supporters roared with every boundary.

But cricket has a way of turning tides swiftly. Kuldeep Yadav, India’s wily left-arm spinner, found his rhythm. With clever flight and sharp turn, he dismantled Pakistan’s middle order. Batsmen who looked settled suddenly found themselves undone by drift or trapped by variations they could not read. Kuldeep’s spell of four wickets for just thirty runs broke the spine of the innings. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin added another layer of frustration for Pakistan, while Jasprit Bumrah returned at the death with his trademark yorkers to snuff out any hopes of a late flourish.

From a position of strength, Pakistan tumbled, all out for 146 in the 20th over. The Indian fielders hugged one another, smiles breaking out, but the job was only half done. Finals are rarely won until the last run is scored.

As India prepared to chase, the pressure in the air was palpable. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill opened the innings with measured confidence. They respected the early swing but did not miss chances to drive and cut when width was offered. The first wicket fell in the fifth over, and soon after, Pakistan struck again to remove Gill. At 40 for 2, the stadium grew tense. The Pakistani bowlers had their tails up, their supporters chanting louder, sensing an opening.

Then came Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav, walking into the moment together. Finals demand calmness, and the duo brought exactly that. They rotated strike intelligently, running hard between the wickets, and waited for loose balls. Varma’s crisp drives through the covers and Suryakumar’s inventive flicks behind square slowly drained the energy out of the opposition. The partnership steadied India, keeping the required rate under control.

By the 15th over, India needed just 40 runs. Yet, Pakistan fought back with disciplined slower deliveries and fielders guarding the boundaries. Every run became a contest, and every dot ball was greeted by a roar from green stands. Still, India did not panic. Hardik Pandya, batting lower down, provided the finishing push with a six over long-off that silenced the opposition momentarily.

With 8 runs needed in the 18th over, Suryakumar Yadav shouldered the responsibility. A fuller ball on his pads was flicked effortlessly to the boundary, bringing India within touching distance. Two balls later, Tilak Varma lofted a slower one over long-on, the ball sailing high into the night before landing among jubilant Indian supporters.

The scoreboard read 147 for 4 in 18.4 overs. India had won by six wickets. The stands exploded in blue celebration as the players sprinted onto the field. Suryakumar lifted his arms to the sky, eyes glistening, while teammates embraced him. Kuldeep Yadav was mobbed for his game-changing spell, and the younger players, Abhishek, Varma, and Rinku Singh, soaked in the applause, having shown the maturity of veterans.

The presentation ceremony was a blur of fireworks and chants. The Asia Cup trophy glittered under the floodlights as Suryakumar raised it high, teammates gathering around him with broad smiles. He praised his side’s composure in crunch moments, calling the victory a blend of youthful energy and experienced calm. Kuldeep was named Player of the Match, his spell remembered as the turning point of the final.

For Indian fans, this triumph was more than a cricketing win, it was a reaffirmation of their team’s resilience, depth, and ability to rise when the stakes were highest. The victory parade around the ground was a moving sight: flags waving, anthems sung, and players stopping to thank their supporters.