In a match filled with excitement, pressure, and political relevance, India beat Pakistan by five wickets to win the Asia Cup title for the ninth time. Tilak Varma’s 69 not out steered India through a tense chase that had started with India at 20 for 3 in pursuit of 147.
As the final began, Pakistan, through an explosive opening stand from Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46), put India under pressure early on. At 107 for 1, with 44 balls remaining, Pakistan looked set for a total of more than 160. And then, in a dramatic turn of events, they lost nine wickets for 33 runs, bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
While Kuldeep Yadav recovered to take 4 for 30 after beginning the match quite expensively, and Varun Chakravarthy snared two timely wickets of the set batters, India’s attack turned to favour India spectacularly.
India had not had a smooth run chase either. With early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, Pakistan’s attack led by Faheem Ashraf (3 for 29) kept India in a tricky situation. In came Tilak Varma.
Staying composed in the heat of battle, the young left-hander handled the pressure and approached his task with maturity. He did not dwell on the early dots, instead using them to curate a calculated knock that took shape through poise and precision. His partnership of 60 runs with Shivam Dube (33 off 22) laid the foundations for India’s innings.
Tilak Varma’s moment came during the 15th over when he smashed 17 runs off Haris Rauf to bring down the required rate. The pressure shifted in India’s favour. Finding their momentum, Dube complemented the partnership with two crucial sixes – one against Abrar Ahmed, the other against Ashraf.
With 8 runs needed off the final 5 balls, Tilak capped the innings with a towering six high over square leg, igniting celebrations. The young batter, once almost nonchalant, was now bursting with the emotion of the moment as he made heart symbols to the crowd while Rinku Singh danced delightfully, sprinting across the field as India’s hero.
On and off the field, tensions were palpable. The political tensions between the countries were real and even during the game it still characterized the atmosphere. The captains had all but avoided glancing at each other and handshakes were non-existent between players. But through all the noise, cricket delivered – a game that was memorable to all who witnessed it. An unforgettable final, which had everything – grit, skill, highs and lows through every inning.
In a classic final that will be remembered through the years, India held its nerve and Tilak Varma emerged a hero for the new generation.
