Tilak Varma Calls Match-Winning Knock Against Pakistan “Most Special”

Indian batter Tilak Varma described his unbeaten 69 off 53 balls in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan as “one of the most special knocks of my life”, anchoring a tense five-wicket victory while chasing 147 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The 23-year-old Hyderabadi’s gritty performance, which earned him the Player of the Match award, steered India from a precarious 20-3 to their ninth Asia Cup title, marking their second T20 triumph since 2016. “There was pressure. They were bowling well, mixing the pace up. I was breathing up and trying to stay calm. Chak De India,” Varma said during a post-match presentation delayed over an hour due to off-field controversies.

India’s chase faltered early, slipping to 10-2 when Varma arrived at No. 4. Prepared to bat flexibly across the order, he credited pre-tournament training with head coach Gautam Gambhir for his composure on a sluggish pitch. “I was backing my game,” he said, referencing tailored sessions to handle slower wickets. Varma forged key partnerships, adding 57 runs with Sanju Samson (24) to stabilise the innings and 33 with Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls) to tilt momentum. His decisive blow—a towering six off Haris Rauf in the final over—slashed the equation to two runs off four balls, paving the way for Rinku Singh’s winning boundary. Varma lauded his teammates: “Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was important for the country.”

Pakistan’s batting collapse, plummeting from 113-1 to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, handed India a chaseable target, though their bowlers kept the pressure on. Pakistan captain Salman Agha called the loss a “bitter pill to swallow”, lamenting poor strike rotation and lost wickets. “We didn’t have enough runs on the board. They bowled outstandingly well,” he admitted, urging his team to address batting woes. The match, the first India-Pakistan Asia Cup final since 1984, was marred by tensions, with India refusing the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi and skipping handshakes, citing geopolitical sensitivities linked to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack.

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Abhishek Sharma, named Player of the Tournament for his explosive starts, credited hard work and support from captain Suryakumar Yadav and Gambhir. “If I get a start, my team should win,” said the opener, who attacked spinners and pacers alike in powerplays. India’s unbeaten run, including three victories over Pakistan, reaffirmed their dominance. Varma’s knock, blending resilience and flair, not only clinched a historic title but also signalled his rise as a clutch performer on the global stage.

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