India Crowned Asia Cup Champions as operation Tilak rules

 

On a high-octane Sunday evening at the Dubai International Stadium, India clinched the Asia Cup title with a commanding five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. It was a final brimming with intensity, but in the end, Tilak Varma’s elegant unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s composed 33 ensured that Gautam Gambhir’s boys lifted the silverware in style.

The stage was set at 7:30 PM (IST) for the third and final clash between the two cricketing powerhouses in this tournament. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav elected to field first, a decision that soon looked wise.

Pakistan’s innings began in aggressive fashion. Their top order looked intent on putting the Indian bowlers under pressure. The partnership flourished until the score reached 84 runs, when the breakthrough finally arrived. Farhan, who had blazed his way to a scintillating 57 off just 38 balls, departed, halting Pakistan’s momentum. Soon after, Ayub was dismissed for 14 and Mohammad Haris for a golden duck, suddenly exposing the middle order.

The ever-reliable Fakhar Zaman attempted to anchor the innings, showing glimpses of his trademark stroke play. But on 46, he too succumbed, lofting Varun Chakravarthy only to find Kuldeep Yadav lurking safely under the catch. From there, Pakistan’s batting line-up imploded spectacularly.

India’s spin trio—Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar Patel—tormented the batsmen with unplayable turn and guile. The lower order was swept away almost without a fight: Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf both registered ducks, Talat fell for just 1, and captain Salman Agha struggled for 8 before departing. Haris Rauf’s stay was cut short by Jasprit Bumrah’s searing pace for 6, while Mohammad Nawaz also fell for 6.

The collapse was complete in 19.1 overs, with Pakistan bowled out for 146. Kuldeep Yadav stole the spotlight with a magnificent 4-wicket haul, while Bumrah, Axar, and Varun each picked up 2 wickets, dismantling Pakistan clinically.

Chasing 147, India’s innings started with a hint of drama. The top order faltered early as Abhishek Sharma fell for 5, skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed only 1, and Shubman Gill was dismissed for 12. At 3 wickets down inside the powerplay, the Indian dugout briefly looked unsettled.

But then came the rescue act. Sanju Samson contributed a steady 24, holding one end as Tilak Varma unleashed a batting masterclass at the other. Calm, stylish, and decisive, Tilak’s unbeaten 69 became the backbone of India’s chase. Joining forces with him, Shivam Dube struck a crucial 33, adding solidity and keeping the scoreboard ticking at a comfortable pace.

In the closing stages, Rinku Singh chipped in with a single, while Tilak fittingly sealed the deal, guiding India to a memorable triumph.

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Faheem Ashraf emerged as the standout with 3 wickets, while Shaheen Afridi snared 1, but the modest total left them with too little to defend.

With this emphatic win, India once again proved their supremacy in Asian cricket, combining sharp bowling, resilient batting, and nerves of steel to claim the continental crown.