Tilak Varma’s unbeaten half-century powered India to a thrilling five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup T20 final on Sunday, sealing their second title in the format.
Chasing 147, India reached 150 for five with two balls to spare, thanks to Varma’s composed 69 off 53 balls.
His crucial 60-run stand with Shivam Dube, who chipped in with a quickfire 33 from 22 deliveries, guided India home after a mid-innings wobble.
Earlier, Pakistan rode on an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) to lay the platform for a big total.
But their middle order collapsed dramatically against India’s spinners, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs to be bundled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling charge with figures of 4/30, while Varun Chakaravarthy (2/30), Axar Patel (2/26), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) ensured Pakistan failed to capitalise on their strong start.
This victory marked India’s third win over Pakistan in the tournament, having beaten them earlier in the league stage and the Super 4s. It also reinforced India’s dominance in continental T20 cricket with a clinical all-round performance.
Brief scores:
Pakistan: 146 all out in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4/30).
India: 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69*, Shivam Dube 33; Haris Rauf 2/31).
