India wins Asia Cup, PM says ‘Operation Sindoor’ on the game field
New Delhi, Sep 29, 2025 : India beat Pakistan by five wickets to win their ninth Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, UAE, with Tilak Varma taking them with an unbeaten innings that proved decisive in the tournament’s dramatic conclusion. The victory extended India’s perfect record against Pakistan in this tournament, having defeated them in all three encounters, including group stage and Super Four matches on September 14 and September 21, respectively.
India won the toss and elected to field first, with Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman providing a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership in 9 overs before being separated. However, Pakistan’s innings faltered thereafter, eventually being bowled out for 146 runs in the last over, setting India a modest target of 147 runs for victory. India’s chase began with the loss of early wickets, slumping to 20/3 within the fourth over as Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Faheem Ashraf, struck repeatedly.
The responsibility fell to Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma to stabilise the innings, though Gill’s dismissal while attempting to clear the infield left India precariously placed. Sanju Samson joined Varma to forge a crucial 57-run partnership that reignited Indian hopes. In the 13th over, Sanju Samson was dismissed. Shivam Dube’s arrival marked the turning point as he partnered with Tilak Varma to score 28 runs off the 15th and 16th overs, reducing the equation to 36 runs from the final four overs. The duo maintained their composure through the closing stages, with Tilak Varma remaining unbeaten on 69 runs from 53, stealing the Asia Cup in style in the last six overs, and guiding India home with two balls remaining. His match-winning knock showcased the temperament and skill that Indian cricket fans will remember for years to come. Indian Fans in Dubai were overjoyed in this victory, and let’s hear from them. This is India’s record-extending ninth victory at the Asia Cup, and the cricket fraternity couldn’t hold back from congratulating the team.
Confusion marred the post-match ceremonies as Mohsin Naqvi, serving both as ACC President and Pakistan’s interior minister, stood awkwardly on stage while the Indian team declined to join the presentation, ultimately resulting in the trophy being removed from the field without the standard celebratory handover. In the post match press conference Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav announced his decision to donate his entire match fees from the Asia Cup 2025 tournament to the Indian Army, he also reflected on what he described as an extraordinary situation where “a champion team is denied to get a trophy” despite their hard-earned tournament victory, calling it something he had never witnessed in his cricket career.
Throughout the press conference, Yadav maintained that the team’s unbeaten campaign and the collective effort of players like Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Sanju Samson represented the true essence of their achievement, stating that seeing “India Asia Cup 2025 Champions” displayed on screens across the venue was validation enough for their historic ninth Asia Cup title. Asia Cup will resume in the year 2027 and will be played in the ODI format as a precursor to the 50-over World Cup scheduled for the same year.
President Droupadi Murmu has congratulated Team India on winning the Asia Cup cricket tournament in Dubai and wished for its sustained glory in the future. In a social media post, President Murmu expressed her heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the Asia Cup cricket tournament. She wished Team India sustained glory in the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi likened the India-Pakistan final in the Asia Cup to Operation Sindoor and said the outcome remained the same, and India won. In a social media post, the Prime Minister wrote, Operation Sindoor on the game field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.