India vs Pakistan Final Controversy highlights: Riding on Tilak Varma's incredible half-century, fancied India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the summit showdown to win their second Asia Cup title in the T20 format in Dubai on Sunday. India bowled out Pakistan for a modest 146 and then chased down the target of 147 with two balls remaining.
Varma smashed an unbeaten 69 in 53 balls, while Shivam Dube contributed a breezy 22-ball 33 during a vital 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show with excellent figures of 4/30 in four overs, while fellow spinners Varun Chakaravarthy (2/30), Axar Patel (2/26) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) were also among the wickets after India opted to bowl first.
India national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team scorecard
Sent in, Pakistan were well-served by the opening duo of Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35 balls), who stitched together 84 runs in under 10 overs to lay the foundation for a big total. However, the Indian spin trio of Varun, Kuldeep and Axar suddenly picked up a few wickets to quickly tighten the screws on Pakistan, who lost their last nine wickets for just 33 runs.
This was India's third victory over Pakistan in this edition of the continental event after winning in the league and Super 4s stages.
Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistani leg-spinner, posted a photo of a TV protected by a metal net. It apparently is a dig at the popular sentiment among Indians that people in Pakistan break their television sets when they get defeated by India.
The post has gone viral, gaining 1.2 million views. Danish has a history of being at loggerheads with the PCB, as well as many former Pakistani cricketers.
“Real trophy is when you win the hearts of people, the players, the trust you earn, the support staff, the trust they have shown, the people who work behind the scenes; that is the real trophy. The real trophy is the work and effort of so many people on the field,” Suryakumar Yadav said, according to ANI.
As per ANI, Tilak said, "They were speaking a lot since the start, they saw my reply with the bat, they are not visible on the ground." He added, “I know when I play, I will get a very few balls, and I have to do something big. It was important that I hit two sixes and take the game close to run-a-ball. I got a fine boundary to start off. I had the power. My bat did its work, and they (Pakistan) did not get a chance to speak.”
India's Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma was met with hero's welcome on his return back to the country. The left handed batter was greeted with hoards of crowd at the Hyderabad airport.
In a post on X, senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Moonis Elahi wrote “This ‘selected’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, if he has any guts, should take notice against Mohsin Naqvi, who has destroyed Pakistan cricket in such a short time,”
In a post on X, Bachan wrote, "T 5516(i) - Jeet Gaye !! .. Well played 'Abhishek Bachchan' .. Udhar zaban ladkhadayi, aur idhar, bina batting, bowling, fielding kiye, ladkhadaya dushman ko !! Bolti band !! Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Maa Durga !!!!"
Speaking to news agency ANI, Juyal, "main apne bacchon ko bataunga ki main ye legendary match dekhne aaya tha. Bilkul kamaal ho gaya." (I felt so good today. I will tell my children that I came to watch this legendary match. It was absolutely amazing.)
In a post on Instagram, Chakravarthy wrote, ""Akkha duniya ek taraf, aur mera INDIA ek taraf,"
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi wrote, "If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan's hands. No cricket match can rewrite that truth. Dragging war into sport only exposes desperation and disgraces the very spirit of the game,"
Speaking to ANI, the former cricketer said, "Congratulations to Team India...The players faced a different kind of pressure...This performance of Team India will always be remembered....They did not focus on any outside noise and did their work. This win is a salute to Operation Sindoor..Team India conducted a unique operation...People were against them, but everyone in the team played their role..."
Speaking in a press conference after the match, Salman Ali Agha said, "What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They are not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they are disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did,"
Speaking to news agency ANI, Surya said, "Talking about it again and again will degrade its real essence. But yes, during the course of the tournament, I think we played good cricket, handled the pressure situations better with the bat and the ball. That's why we won it. I think it spoke volumes. Our main focus was to win matches and play good cricket. It doesn't really matter if the trophy came or not. What matters is that my country is happy and we are celebrating. We have billboards in our name that we are the Asia Cup champions. What more do you need?"
Shashi Tharoor, not happy with Sanju Samson playing in the middle order, asked, “Was it right to break up the hugely successful opening partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, and relegate a three-time centurion to a middle slot where he was uncomfortable?”
Team India took a hilarious jibe at Abrar Ahmed after the Asia Cup 2025 win. If you don't know the context, check the other video.
Billionaire Anand Mahindra has hailed Team India and called its ‘self-belief’ the ‘true Brahmastra’.
“When the bowlers saw the opposition opening batsmen running away with the game, yet held their focus and then made the wickets tumble like skittles…When the batsmen saw our opening heroes depart early, yet stayed calm and turned the chase into a stroll…” he wrote.
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman has posted his remarks about India not “lifting the trophy”.
"Congratulations to Team India on winning the Asia Cup. This triumph is not just about lifting the trophy, it's about courage, belief and playing for the flag Special congratulations to Tilak, who showed maturity beyond years and proved that big stages are for brave hearts. This victory belongs to each and every member of the squad," VVS Laxman wrote on X.
Cricket fans in Dubai booed Haris Rauf as he came to accept his medal. Chants of “Kohli Kohli” were also heard. It is unclear if only Indian fans did it, or Pakistani fans joined in as well.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has claimed that his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav, shakes hands with him in private. His no-handshake take must have been an instruction from the top, Salman said.
“I'm sure he's following the instructions he's been given. But, if it were up to him, he'd shake hands with me," the Pakistan captain added.
Indian players did receive their individual awards as those were given by other dignitaries. Kuldeep Yadav (most wickets, Most Valuable Player of the Tournament) received $15,000 ( ₹13 lakh). Abhishek Sharma (most runs, most 6s, and Player of the Tournament) also received $15,000 ( ₹13 lakh), a trophy and the Haval H9 SUV.
While Indian cricket fans waited for the presentation ceremony, it was delayed for an hour. Pakistani players received their runner-up medals. Captain Salman Ali Agha accepted the cheque and posed with ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Indian players accepted their individual awards from other dignitaries. Then, presenter Simon Doull informed viewers that there would be no more presentations.
"I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation," the former New Zealand cricketer said.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has accused India of disrespecting the game of cricket.
"What India have done this tournament is very disappointing. They're not disrespecting us by not shaking hands, they're disrespecting cricket. Good teams don't do what they did today. We went to pose with the trophy on our own because we wanted to fulfil our obligations. We stood there and took our medals. I don't want to use harsh words, but they've been very disrespectful," Agha said at a post-final press conference.
Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi walked away with the Asia Cup 2025 trophy after Team India had refused to accept it from the PCB chief. The BCCI has said that it will lodge a "very strong protest" against Naqvi in the next ICC meeting in November.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, “So far as the trophy is concerned, trophy distribution, India cannot take the trophy from the person who is waging a war against our country.”
"We have taken a decision not to accept the trophy but that does not allow the gentleman to take away the trophy and the medals to his hotel," Saikia added.
According to PTI, BCCI informed its ACC points-person that Team India would not receive the Asia Cup 2025 from PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
"BCCI would have lodged official protest if Naqvi had tried to forcefully hand over the trophy," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a prize money of ₹21 crore for the Indian cricket team and its support staff. India remained unbeaten throughout the Asia Cup 2025.
"It was (an) extraordinary victory and therefore as a part of celebrations, BCCI has announced a cash award of ₹21 crore in favour of the players and the support staff who are part of the Indian team in the Asia Cup," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.
Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav posted a photo with an AI-generated Asia Cup trophy. Tilak Varma, Player of the Match, posed along with him.
The Asia Cup 2025 trophy was not given to Team India as the Men in Blue refused it to receive it from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chief, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister known for his anti-India stance, then walked away with the silverware.
“I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts. Jai Hind,” the Indian captain wrote on Twitter (now X).
During the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav, however, said it was dedicated to the Indian Army
BCCI announces cash reward for Indian team
No Indian team in presentation ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation," informs Simon Doull.
Getting a car is always a pleasure. Getting into this team after winning the World Cup wasn't easy for any opener, I worked very hard on my game and you need the support of the coach and captain, I was getting that from the start of the tournament. If I get a start, my team should win. Sometimes you are going to fail but you have to follow the process. I had a plan if I get the spinners in the powerplay I will try to use the powerplay, even any premium fast bowlers, I would go from the first ball no matter who's the bowler.
It is a tough pill to swallow right now. We lost wickets while batting, we were outstanding with the ball but didn't have enough runs on the board. We didn't rotate strike and lost too many wickets. We have to sort out our batting very soon. They bowled outstandingly well, they (India) needed 63 from 6 overs and I thought we had the game. But the batting was what cost us the game. I am very proud of the team and there is so much to look forward to, we will work hard and come back stronger.
It was pressure. They were bowling well. They were mixing the pace up. I was breathing and trying to stay calm. Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was helpful and important for the country. We have prepared for every position. You should be flexible. I was prepared to bat at any position. I was backing my game. When the wickets are on the slower side, I have talked to Gauti sir and have worked hard. One of the most special knocks of my life. This is for all the Indians.
According to a PTI report, India will not accept trophy from Mohsin Naqvi. He is waiting on stage but presentation ceremony won't begin anytime.
Indian players and Mohsin Naqvi are waiting for the presentation ceremony. Pakistan players are yet to come out. Mohsin is on a call while on stage. Pakistan team comes out and Salman Ali Agha is being welcomed by a lot of booing.
ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah congratulates Team India after their Asia Cup win.
Really enjoyed the pressure. Not played many Indo-Pak games but the pressure was there, I had to use my experience, calm my nerves, watch the ball and react. It came off nicely. I had a really good partnership with Tilak and enjoyed playing the game today. The game dictates what type of cricket you need to play. You have to respect the condition and situations. That is what we have learned after years and years of cricket in the IPL, years and years of playing cricket. That's what cricket was taught us. Was looking to time the ball and that is what has helped me. Close games are really good and that is when your character is tested. This game was really crucial just before the World Cup. These knockout games do help us prepare for the big games coming up few months later.
Pretty amazing. Whole tournament unbeaten and feels amazing. We have played almost all of our cricket with each other. It's amazing to bat with him, he has been phenomenal this tournament. The conversation was to take it as deep as possible. The target was not much but the way Sanju and Tilak batted and the way Dube hit those sixes was amazing. There wasn't much panic with 30 off 3 overs, but it was a slow wicket and the boundaries are bigger, the way both the batters batted, first soaking in the pressure and then hit it all the way.
Feel great. At that time, I was going for the wickets, Fakhar and Sahibzada were going well. Kuldeep came and took wickets, brought back memories of the time we had with KKR. He is one of the best. If you see the trend in the last matches, in the first 10 overs everyone go berserk. I would like to mention Hari and would like to give him credit as well, he is doing a lot of good work.
This was India's fourth win by staying the whole tournament unbeaten after the 2016 Asia Cup, 2023 Asian Games and T20 World Cup 2024.
By 8 wickets, Melbourne, Benson and Hedges Cup 1984/85
By 8 wickets, Dhaka, Independence Cup 1997/98 (Best of three)
By 3 wickets, Dhaka, Independence Cup 1997/98 (Best of three)
By 5 runs, Johannesburg, T20 WC 2007
By 5 wickets, Dubai, Asia Cup 2025
“Nothing else matters. This one ball matters. One was needed. I hit it for a four. Everyone knows I am a finisher. Team won and I am really happy.”
Haris Rauf to bowl the final over. Two runs off the first ball. BANGGG! Tilak Varma calmly puts the ball into the crowd. Two needed now. One run from the third ball. One needed now. Rinku Singh on strike. And that's it. Rinku Singh hits the winning run as India lift ninth title.
After three singles, Shivam Dube finally gets the much-needed boundary off Faheem Ashraf. OUTTT!!! Ashraf bowls a slower delivery, Dube connects but didn't get the elevation as Shaheen Shah Afridi takes an excellent catch at the boundary. India need 10 runs in the final over. IND 137/5 (19)
Faheem Ashraf runs in but pulls out at the last moment. He runs in again but again pulls out. Looks like he is injured. The Pakistan team physio is out in the middle. Is it cramps? Ashraf is down at the moment with the whole team surrounding him. The good news is he is back on his feet and is running to bowl.
Singles won't do justice for India at this stage. India need boundaries at this moment. India haven't hit a boundary in the last 15 balls. Good stuff from Haris Rauf. BANGGGG from Shivam Dube. The big man smashed the white cherry over the ropes to bring down the equation to 17 needed in 12 balls. IND 130/4 (18)
Fifty from Tolak Varma as India inch closer to the victory. Shivam Dube needs to stay in the middle. One big over would tilt the match in India's favour. India need 30 more runs in the last three overs. IND 117/4 (17)
OUTTT!!! Sanju Samson was undone by the extra spin off Abrar Ahmed as the Indian tries to over the backward point, but Sahibzada Farhan takes a simple catch. PAK 78/4 (13)
After a quite over from Saim Ayub, Sansju Samson smashed it over long on for a six. IND 76/3 (12)
Flighted ball from Abrar Ahmed and Tilak Varma goes down on one knee to smash it for a six. Earlier, both Varma and Sanju Samson had an intense talk with Gautam Gambhir during the drinks break. 69/3 (10)
DROPPEDDD!! Sanju Samson once again goes for the backfoot punch, but Hussain Talat drops a tough chance. The Indians fans a happy. IN 54/3 (9)