India and Pakistan faced off in a high-stakes in Dubai, where the toss set the tone for the contest. India won the toss, but Pakistan skipper Salman chose to bat first.
Pakistan played steadily without losing a wicket until the 9th over. However, Pakistan lost their first wicket in the 9th over and struggled from the 12th to the 17th over, losing at least one wicket per over. Indian bowler Bumrah, who had previously taken the wicket of Pakistani player Haris Rauf, retaliated in his own style by mimicking a fighter plane crash.
With 5 balls remaining in the stipulated 20 overs, Pakistan was bowled out for 146 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets, while Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel claimed 2 wickets each. Chasing a target of 147 runs to win, the Indian team found themselves in a precarious position, scoring only 20 runs for the loss of 3 wickets at the end of 4 overs.
The partnership between Tilak Verma and Sanju Samson helped stabilise the team, playing cautiously when required and attacking when opportunities arose. Sanju Samson was out for 24 runs, while Tilak Verma scored a half-century in 41 balls.
Later, Shibam Dubey joined Tilak Verma, scoring 33 runs with 2 sixes and 2 fours before being dismissed on the last ball of the 18th over. With India needing 10 runs in the final over, Tilak Verma alleviated the pressure with a six, and Ringu Singh hit the winning run with a boundary.
India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets, securing the Asia Cup title for the 9th time. Leading the team to victory, Tilak Verma remained unbeaten on 69 runs with 4 sixes. Fans celebrated the Indian cricket team’s triumph in Dubai by bursting firecrackers. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Indian cricket team, noting that India also emerged victorious in Operation Sindoor on the sports field.
In Sukma, Chhattisgarh, the Central Industrial Security Forces of the 74th Battalion celebrated India’s victory. Similarly, in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army celebrated India’s victory alongside local residents by bursting firecrackers. Cricket fans across the country, including in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and Mohali, Punjab, gathered on the streets to celebrate.
Despite winning the final, the Indian team players did not hold the trophy. The winning trophy was to be presented to the Indian team by Asian Cricket Council President, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, and Pakistan Minister of Interior . However, the Indian team announced they would not accept the trophy from Naqvi’s hands. When the award ceremony began, Naqvi took the stage along with other guests.
The Indian players categorically declared they would not accept the trophy from his hands. Nonetheless, was adamant that he would present the trophy himself, leading to a delay of almost an hour. Negotiations during the conflict that lasted over an hour were unsuccessful.
India was willing to accept the trophy from Emirates Cricket Board Vice-President Khalid Al Zarooni, but Naqvi did not allow this. Ultimately, the Indian team took a group photo without the trophy or medals.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma walked slowly while holding the trophy, and in the same style, Suryakumar Yadav walked slowly without the trophy to celebrate. The BCCI has announced a prize money of Rs 21 crore for the Indian team that won the Asia Cup cricket series.
