Dubai, Sept 29 (V7N) - In a highly anticipated showdown, India clinched the Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan in the final, marking the first India-Pakistan final in 41 years. The match, filled with tension until the last over, ended with India chasing Pakistan’s total of 147 runs in 19.4 overs. Tilak Varma played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, while Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube provided crucial support in key partnerships.

Pakistan’s innings began strongly as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman forged an 84-run partnership in just 10 overs. Farhan scored 57 off 38 balls, while Fakhar contributed 46 off 35 balls. However, Pakistan collapsed after Farhan’s dismissal, losing 9 wickets for just 33 runs. India’s Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack with figures of 4/30, supported by Akshar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shardul Thakur, each claiming two wickets.

Chasing the target, India struggled early, losing three wickets in the first four overs to Pakistan’s fiery bowlers, Fahim Ashraf and Shaheen Shah Afridi. At 20/3, India looked vulnerable, but Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson steadied the innings with a 57-run partnership. After Samson’s departure, Varma and Shivam Dube added 60 runs, ensuring India reached the target comfortably. Varma’s unbeaten 69, including 4 sixes and 3 fours, sealed a five-wicket victory for India.

Fahim Ashraf was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs. Despite Pakistan’s strong start, India’s composure and strategic partnerships proved decisive. The victory underscores Team India’s dominance in the region and their ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes matches.

This win solidifies India’s status as Asia’s premier cricket team and highlights emerging talents like Tilak Varma, who demonstrated exceptional skill and temperament in a high-pressure final.

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