Dubai, Sep 29 (NationPress) In a thrilling showdown at the Dubai International Stadium, Tilak Varma showcased remarkable composure under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 69 to lead India to a five-wicket triumph against arch-rivals Pakistan. This victory marks India's ninth title win in the Asia Cup.

On a pitch that proved tricky, Kuldeep Yadav was instrumental in turning the match around, taking four wickets—including three in a pivotal 17th over—leading to Pakistan's dramatic collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out in just 19.1 overs, losing their last nine wickets for a mere 33 runs.

The combination of Kuldeep, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy wreaked havoc as Pakistan's players fell prey to reckless shots, sharing a total of eight wickets. Kuldeep's figures transformed from conceding 23 runs in his initial overs to clinching four wickets for only seven runs in his subsequent two, supported by Axar, Chakaravarthy, and Bumrah who each took two wickets.

Facing a daunting situation with India at 20/3, Varma displayed exemplary skill and steadiness, striking three fours and four sixes in a performance that will be etched in history. While others faltered, Varma stood firm, steering the chase with precision.

His partnerships with Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33), which included critical stands of 57 and 60, enabled India to secure victory with two balls remaining, concluding the tournament as the sole unbeaten team—recalling the day they clinched the trophy in 2018.

In previous encounters, India's openers had contributed significantly to the chase, but this time, the pursuit began with a rocky phase as Faheem Ashraf delivered a wide slower ball that led to the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma. Captain Suryakumar Yadav fell prey to a slower ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi, caught at mid-off.

Amid early nerves, Varma and Shubman Gill hesitated over a quick single, almost resulting in a run-out. Gill’s attempt to hit a boundary ended in a catch to mid-on. Nonetheless, Samson began the recovery with a delightful cover drive, while Varma capitalized on Ashraf's deliveries, hitting both a four and a six.

As the required run rate climbed, Varma's calculated risks proved successful as he executed a slog-sweep off Abrar Ahmed for six, with Samson following suit. However, the latter fell victim to a wide ball from Ahmed.

With pressure mounting, a near run-out incident for Varma highlighted the tension, but moments of brilliance from Dube and Varma, including a string of boundaries, eased the situation, with Varma reaching his fifty off 41 balls.

Even after Dube's dismissal, Varma continued his assault, and Rinku Singh capped off the chase in style with a boundary, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Indian players.

Earlier, despite some initial swing from Bumrah, Pakistan's openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, started strongly with three boundaries in the first three overs. Farhan's aggressive play continued until he reached fifty in just 35 balls before falling to Chakaravarthy, breaking the 84-run opening partnership.

Pakistan quickly unravelled thereafter, losing wickets in quick succession. Sanju Samson was pivotal in holding catches as the innings spiraled, with Bumrah wrapping up Pakistan's innings under 150. Despite their bowlers' efforts, they could not prevent Varma from leading India to a historic victory in this high-stakes final.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 146 in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4-30, Jasprit Bumrah 2-25) lost to India 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69 not out, Shivam Dube 33; Faheem Ashraf 3-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-20) by five wickets.