Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan in Dubai
The Asia Cup 2025 final pits two cricketing giants against each other for the first time in a final, with India winning the toss and opting to bowl. Injuries also shaped the day, as captain Rohit Sharma passed on the duty for this match and the captaincy role for India went to Surya Kumar Yadav. The event marked a historic moment, with India and Pakistan contesting the title on the UAE soil after a tournament where both teams had previously toppled their opposition with commanding performances.
Pakistan innings: Farhan anchors, then a swift collapse
Pakistan opened with Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, who stitched an opening stand of 84 for the first wicket. Once that partnership dissolved, the chase slipped into a rapid decline. By 113/2 after 13 overs, the momentum had swung decisively in India’s favor, and from there the Pakistani innings unraveled. The fielding and spin from India’s bowlers stifled the line-up, culminating in an all-out 146 in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout with 4/30 from four overs, supported by Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarti, who shared the pain for Pakistan by contributing two wickets each. The late assault fizzled, and the tail could not wag as India’s spinners tightened the noose.
India’s chase: Sharma falls early, Surya and Gill steady the ship
In reply, India faced an early jolt as Abhishek Sharma fell in the second over off Fahim Ashraf, leaving India at 10/1 after two overs. Surya Kumar Yadav, the captain, alongside Shubman Gill, steadied the innings, guiding India through the tricky chase with calm and calculated aggression. The early setback did little to derail the game plan as the pair built a solid partnership and kept India on course for the championship.
Key moments and turning points
- Two presenters were present at the toss—a rare scene in cricket history—while Ravi Shastri and Wasim Akram presided over commentary duties. Pakistan’s Salman Agha led as captain for the toss, a moment noted for its unusual broadcasting setup.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s spell in the middle overs changed the complexion of the game, as his three consecutive wickets in an over showcased his control and variation, finishing with 4/30.
- The Indian bowling unit, including Varun Chakravarti and Axar Patel, applied relentless pressure, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah kept the economy tight when required, helping India to keep Pakistan in check and set up the chase.
Final thoughts: Asia Cup 2025 title race and implications
The final underlined the value of spin in modern T20 cricket, especially in Dubai’s conditions, with Kuldeep Yadav delivering match-turning breakthroughs. Surya Kumar Yadav’s leadership, coupled with a balanced Indian batting lineup, bodes well for India going forward. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be keen to rebuild their innings around their openers and the middle order to regain momentum in future meetings. For fans, the Dubai final provided a memorable chapter in the India-Pakistan cricketing rivalry, reaffirming why these two teams shape the narrative of the Asia Cup every year.
