They are now nine-time champions of the Asia Cup, and they have Tilak Varma to thank for it. His towering six in the final over, reducing the equation to just two runs off four balls, had coach Gautam Gambhir thumping both hands on the desk in sheer exhilaration — a moment already destined to become a meme.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, ensured the contest was anything but straightforward. Defending a modest 146, they conjured a game out of thin air. What initially looked like another one-sided affair between the two sides turned into a gripping battle, as Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed combined to keep the pressure alive until the very last moments.
From 113 for 1 in 12.4 overs to 146 all out with five balls unused, Pakistan’s innings unravelled in extraordinary fashion in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. It was a collapse that bordered on the inexplicable — nine wickets tumbling for just 33 runs — turning a promising contest into a near one-sided affair. Check India vs Pakistan final live score, match updates here | Asia Cup 2025
From dominance to disaster
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For much of the early innings, Pakistan appeared in command. Sahibzada Farhan, in fluent touch, reached a half-century and even dared to attack Jasprit Bumrah, a challenge many of the world’s best have tried and failed. At 113 for 1 with 44 deliveries still to come, Pakistan were eyeing a total well past 180.
India’s spinners, however, had other ideas. Kuldeep Yadav, who had been under pressure early, struck decisively in his final spell, picking three wickets in a single over to turn the match on its head. His return of 3 for 23 left Pakistan shaken and India smiling. Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan final
| Pakistan Inning | ||||||
| 146-10 (19.1 ov) CRR:7.62 | ||||||
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Sahibzada Farhan | c TL Varma b V Chakaravarthy | 57 | 38 | 5 | 3 | 150 |
| Fakhar Zaman | c K Yadav b V Chakaravarthy | 46 | 35 | 2 | 2 | 131.43 |
| Saim Ayub | c J Bumrah b K Yadav | 14 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 127.27 |
| Mohammad Haris (WK) | c R Singh b A Patel | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Agha Salman (C) | c S Samson b K Yadav | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 114.29 |
| Hussain Talat | c S Samson b A Patel | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | c R Singh b J Bumrah | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Shaheen Afridi | lbw b K Yadav | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Faheem Ashraf | c TL Varma b K Yadav | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Haris Rauf | b J Bumrah | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 150 |
| Abrar Ahmed | Not out | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
| Extras | 7 (b 1, Ib 2, w 4, nb 0, p 0) | |||||
| Total | 146 (10 wkts, 19.1 Ov) | |||||
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | WD | ECO |
| Shivam Dube | 3 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 7.67 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 3.1 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 7.89 |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 4 | 0 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 7.5 |
| Axar Patel | 4 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 6.5 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4 | 0 | 30 | 4 | 4 | 7.5 |
| N. Tilak Varma | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
The pitch in Dubai had always promised assistance to slower bowlers, and the script played out true to form. Once India’s spinners found their rhythm, Pakistan’s batting line-up unravelled under pressure. Wickets fell at regular intervals, at least one in every over from the 13th, and with them went the hopes of setting a challenging total.
What began as a competitive final rapidly descended into a procession. The Pakistani middle order, unable to cope with the turn and variation, gifted away their wickets. By the time the dust settled, the scoreboard read 146 all out — a total well short of expectations.
Most wickets in a T20I series (Full Member teams):
- 17 - Kuldeep Yadav, Asia Cup 2025 (ER: 6.27)
- 17 - Fazalhaq Farooqi, T20 WC 2024 (ER: 6.31)
- 17 - Arshdeep Singh, T20 WC 2024 (ER: 7.16)
- 16 - Wanindu Hasaranga, T20 WC 2021 (ER: 5.20)
India’s position of strength
What looked set to be a nerve-jangling final has tilted heavily in India’s favour. Pakistan’s collapse means the equation is now straightforward for the Indian batters, provided they avoid similar recklessness.
The story of the innings reflected both the promise and the volatility of Pakistan cricket: a dazzling start, flashes of brilliance, and then a self-inflicted collapse that left their supporters stunned. In the end, it was India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep, who stole the show and swung the final decisively their way.
India choose to bowl under lights
Suryakumar Yadav explained his decision with confidence, noting the conditions at Dubai often improve for batting as the night progresses. “We are looking to bowl first. The wicket gets better under lights. The groundsmen have done a terrific job and it should stay the same,” he said.
India’s strategy reflects their recent form, where their batting line-up has thrived in chasing scenarios. However, a late setback came in the form of Hardik Pandya’s absence due to a niggle, forcing changes in the line-up. Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh have been drafted in, providing both depth and balance.
Pakistan back their batting power
Pakistan captain Salman Agha struck an upbeat tone after being asked to bat first. “Definitely happy to bat first. We are very excited and looking forward to this game. We haven’t played a perfect game yet, and hopefully, we play one today,” he said. Pakistan opted for continuity, sticking to the same XI that carried them into the final.
With openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman leading the charge, and Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf spearheading the attack, Pakistan will rely on a blend of youth and experience to unsettle India.
The playing XIs
Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (w), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
A final layered with tension and history
This is not just another cricket match. It comes after two stormy weeks of disputes and confrontations, including handshake controversies, on-field gestures, and ICC sanctions that have dominated headlines. With both teams having endured the heat of scrutiny, the final is as much about pride and redemption as it is about silverware.
As the lights blaze over Dubai, India’s bowlers will look to justify their captain’s call, while Pakistan’s batsmen aim to post a total worthy of a grand finale. For fans across the subcontinent, the drama has already begun — the outcome will only decide which side of the border gets to celebrate.
India enter as unbeaten favourites, having brushed aside every challenge so far. The batting story has revolved around Abhishek Sharma, who leads the tournament with 309 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav has been exceptional with 13 wickets. However, fitness concerns hover—Hardik Pandya strained his hamstring against Sri Lanka, and Abhishek too cramped up in the heat. Morkel, India’s bowling coach, confirmed both would be assessed but sounded optimistic.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have looked fragile with the bat. Sahibzada Farhan offered glimpses of stability, but failures from Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, and Salman Ali Agha have left the line-up exposed. Their hopes rest largely on the new-ball pair of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to strike early against India’s top order.
With the weight of history and politics bearing down, the final will likely be remembered less for style and more for its result. For both teams, winning—however it comes—will be all that matters.
But how can fans watch the live streaming and telecast of the match globally? Take a look.
| Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Sri Lanka broadcast details | ||
| Country/Region | TV Channel(s) | Online Streaming Platform(s) |
| India | Sony Sports Network | SonyLIV |
| Pakistan | Ten Sports | Tapmad app and website |
| Bangladesh | Gazi TV | Rabbithole, Tofee app and website |
| Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) | SLRC digital platforms possible |
| Afghanistan | Ariana TV | Ariana TV app/website (likely) |
| United Arab Emirates (Host) | CricLife MAX via eLife TV, Switch TV | CricLife MAX (streaming) |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1 | TNT Sports app |
| MENA Regions | STARZPLAY via CricLife MAX | STARZPLAY |
| Australia | Not specifically listed (regional platforms may apply) | YuppTV (streaming) |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport OTT |
| New Zealand | Not specifically listed | YuppTV (streaming) |
How to Watch India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final Online: Live Streaming and Telecast Information
When will the India vs Pakistan match take place in the Asia Cup 2025 Final?
India will go toe-to-toe with Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Final on Sunday, September 28.
What will be the venue for the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Final on September 28? \
The match between India and Pakistan will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
What time will the toss take place for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match? \
The toss for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match will take place at 7:30 PM IST.
What time will the first ball of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match be bowled?
The India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Final will begin at 8 PM IST.
Where to watch the live telecast of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match in India?
The live telecast of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match will be available on Sony Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match in India?
The live streaming of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match will be available on the SonyLIV and FanCode apps and websites in India.

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