Dubai, Sep 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a parallel to India’s notable success in Operation Sindoor as he celebrated the national cricket team's remarkable achievement in clinching the Asia Cup title for the ninth time, following a five-wicket triumph over Pakistan in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The team's victory was largely credited to their spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav leading a fantastic turnaround on a challenging pitch. From a promising 113/1 in the 13th over, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out in just 19.1 overs, losing their last nine wickets for a mere 33 runs.

Kuldeep, who had initially given away 23 runs in his first two overs, came back to claim four wickets for only seven runs in his next two, including three wickets in a pivotal 17th over. He received support from Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy, who both took two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah contributed with two wickets at the end.

“#OperationSindoor on the games field. The result is the same – India wins! Congratulations to our cricketers,” Modi tweeted shortly after the match.

Chasing a target of 147, India faced early setbacks, falling to 20/3 after Abhishek Sharma mishit Faheem Ashraf, captain Suryakumar Yadav succumbed to Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shubman Gill misplayed another shot off Ashraf. However, Tilak Varma emerged as the backbone of the chase, scoring an impressive unbeaten 69 off 51 balls, including three fours and four sixes in an innings to be cherished.

Varma formed a crucial partnership of 57 runs with Sanju Samson (24), followed by another 60 runs with Shivam Dube (33), who was promoted in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Dube smashed a towering six and several boundaries before falling to Ashraf, but not before turning the match in India's favor.

Home Minister Amit Shah also commended the team, alluding in his post to India's notable victory in a recent military engagement with Pakistan, which nearly escalated into war when India acted against the Pahalgam terror attack by dismantling terror infrastructures in Pakistan.

“What an extraordinary victory! The fierce spirit of our boys has once again overwhelmed the opponents. India is destined for victory, no matter the field,” wrote the Home Minister on X.

Varma celebrated his fifty with a straight drive and maintained his composure as the required run rate climbed. He launched Haris Rauf for six in the 18th over, and Rinku Singh, facing his first delivery, sealed the victory with a boundary over mid-on.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan had provided Pakistan with a strong start, scoring a brisk 57. However, once Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed him after an 84-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman, the innings fell apart. Reckless shots and disciplined Indian bowling ensured Pakistan could not recover.

Jasprit Bumrah returned to shatter Haris Rauf’s off stump, reminiscent of their earlier verbal exchanges during the tournament, before Mohammad Nawaz was caught out at deep mid-wicket, concluding Pakistan’s innings under 150.