Hyderabad’s stylish left-hander Tilak Varma showcased extraordinary composure and calculated aggression during India’s stunning five-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday. This match, held at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, marked India’s ninth Asia Cup title.
Chasing a modest target of 147, India stumbled early with a dismal score of 20 for 3 within the first five overs. However, Tilak remained steadfast, crafting an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. His strategic partnerships, first with Sanju Samson (24) and later with Shivam Dube (33 off 21), were crucial in steering India back on course. They took India to a comfortable finish in just 19.4 overs. The crowd erupted when Rinku Singh, making his tournament debut, hit the winning boundary.
The final over’s excitement mirrored the match’s intensity, requiring 10 runs for victory. Tilak struck a powerful six off the beleaguered Haris Rauf, before Rinku sealed the win, igniting celebrations among Indian fans.
Pakistan’s Collapse Under Pressure
Earlier in the match, India opted to bowl first, a decision that yielded immediate results. Pakistan started well with batters Sahibzada Farhan (57 off 38) and Fakhar Zaman (46 off 35) forming a solid opening stand of 84 runs. However, as the innings progressed, the Indian spinners unleashed their strategy, leading Pakistan to collapse dramatically.
From a solid position of 113 for 1, Pakistan crumbled to 146 all out in 19.1 overs, losing their last nine wickets for a mere 33 runs, indicating a severe lack of resistance. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the match-winner with remarkable figures of 4 for 30, supported by Axar Patel (2/26) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/30), while Jasprit Bumrah (2/25) closed the innings effectively with a stunning yorker.
Key Turning Points
- Tilak’s 57-run stand with Samson proved vital in stabilizing India amidst early turbulence.
- The crucial 60-run partnership with Dube effectively shifted the match momentum.
- Haris Rauf’s disastrous 15th over, which conceded 17 runs, significantly weakened Pakistan’s resolve.
Pakistan struggled to cope with India’s disciplined attack, particularly against slower bowlers during the latter half of the innings. Indian spinners expertly exploited the conditions, causing chaos in the Pakistani lineup.
Final Match Summary
- Pakistan: 146 all out in 19.1 overs (Farhan 57, Zaman 46; Kuldeep 4/30).
- India: 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69*, Dube 33).
This victory reinforces India’s dominance over Pakistan in white-ball cricket, signifying not just tactical brilliance but also exceptional temperament under pressure. As the team basks in glory, fans look forward to more thrilling displays in upcoming tournaments.