In the final of the Asia cup 2025, India beat Pakistan by five wickets and won their ninth title. In pursuit of 147, the team got into early trouble at 20/3 following blazing spells by Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf. Tilak Varma batted an unbeatable 69 out of 53 balls, and also partnered with important contributions to Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube to lead India to victory despite having two balls remaining.
Arshdeep Singh, who had not been included in the playing XI, caught the attention of the Internet after the match. He also reproduced the legendary match you play, what happens, scene in a fun-reel with Tilak Varma and this was soon to catch fire with fans.
Channeling the viral meme, Arshdeep asked Tilak after the final, “Final match you perform, what’s happening?” To which Tilak replied, “Nothing happening, no one to tell, ground is empty.” The pacer repeated the question, to which bthe atter changed his answer, “A lot of happening, winning celebration, and lot of happening.”
Pakistan were in control at 107/1 after 12 overs, thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s fifty. But Kuldeep Yadav turned the match around with a brilliant spell of 4/30, sparking a collapse that saw Pakistan lose nine wickets for just 33 runs and get bowled out for 146.
India’s chase wasn’t smooth either as the top order fell quickly. Tilak Varma held his nerve, built a steady stand with Shivam Dube, and later saw Rinku Singh finish the job with a boundary. Tilak’s unbeaten knock earned him the Player of the Match award, though the presentation was delayed as Pakistan players stayed back in the dressing room.
“It was pressure. They were bowling well. They were mixing the pace up. I was breathing and trying to stay calm. Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was helpful and important for the country. We have prepared for every position. You should be flexible. I was prepared to bat at any position. I was backing my game. When the wickets are on the slower side, I have talked to Gauti sir and have worked hard. One of the most special knocks of my life. This is for all the Indians,” Varma said at the post-match interview.
