India Clinch Ninth Asia Cup Title
India reaffirmed their status as Asia’s cricketing powerhouse, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in a nail-biting final to secure their record ninth Asia Cup title at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025. The Men in Blue, led by Suryakumar Yadav, maintained an unbeaten run throughout the seven-match tournament—beating Pakistan three times, including in the group stage, Super 4, and the championship match.
The Thrilling Final: How India Won
Pakistan, put in to bat, started strong with an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls). However, the innings unraveled spectacularly as Kuldeep Yadav produced a dream spell of left-arm spin, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. Pakistan lost nine wickets for just 33 runs after being 113/1, eventually getting bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs.
India’s chase was far from smooth, finding themselves reeling at 20/3 early in the innings. Tilak Varma then played one of the tournament’s defining knocks—an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, filled with poise and power under immense pressure. He stitched together crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls) and Shivam Dube (33 off 22) to anchor India’s recovery and drive them to the target with two balls to spare.
India’s Dominance Across The Tournament
India finished the tournament unbeaten, winning all their seven matches—including three against Pakistan.
Abhishek Sharma starred with the bat through the tournament, amassing 314 runs and smashing 19 sixes.
The Indian bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, proved decisive in key moments.
Key Performers In The Final
| Player | Performance | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | 69* (53) | Player of the Match |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4/30 (4 overs) | Key Bowler |
| Abhishek Sharma | Tournament top scorer | Player of the Series |
| Shivam Dube | 33 (22) | Crucial Par |
Prize Money and Recognition
Indian players received historic rewards for their triumph:
Asia Cup Champion’s Prize: USD 300,000 (₹2.6 crore)—the richest ever in Asia Cup history and a 50% increase from the previous edition.
Additional BCCI Reward: ₹21 crore awarded to players and support staff, celebrating their unbeaten run and dominance.
Post-match Controversy
The trophy presentation ceremony was overshadowed by a rare controversy: India declined to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Despite this, celebrations were in full swing both in Dubai and across India as fans rejoiced their country's latest sporting glory.
Stats and Records
India's 9th Asia Cup title extends their continental cricketing legacy.
Abhishek Sharma topped scoring charts and hit the most sixes.
Kuldeep Yadav was the stand-out bowler in the final and Super 4 matches.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign showcased resilience, teamwork, and star performances—culminating in a thrilling victory and unprecedented recognition. With two titles in the T20 format, India heads into next year’s World T20 as firm favorites, having set new benchmarks of dominance in Asian cricket