Head coach Gautam Gambhir was fired up after Tilak Varma smashed Haris Rauf for a massive 80-metre six in the final over of the Asia Cup 2025 title clash. Tilak’s superb 69 off 53 balls set the tone for India’s ninth Asia Cup triumph at the Dubai International Stadium.
The lefthander took up the slower ball of Rauf and threw it out of deep square leg. Gambhir was overjoyed, and he struck the table in delight, with India but two runs off winning. Rinku Singh then completed the task in style and struck a boundary off his first ball itself and that is how he thought he had completed the job.
Raw energy like this is what makes Gautam Gambhir different from others.
This shows his belief in his squad,his men,his captain,his boys.
Many more to come Coach GG.
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— Subham. (@subhsays) September 28, 2025Tilak Varma’s steady innings proved decisive on the big night. He struck three fours and four sixes, mixed with smart running in Dubai’s tough conditions. Walking in early, he held his ground till the end, playing the pull shot with great effect and guiding India through pressure moments.
Pakistan began strongly after being put in to bat, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 57 in an 84-run opening stand. But India bounced back as Kuldeep Yadav grabbed 4/30, while Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets each. The collapse meant Pakistan couldn’t even play out their full 20 overs.
India’s chase got off to a shaky start at 36/3 in the powerplay. Tilak found support in Sanju Samson, who scored 24, and later Shivam Dube, who added a quick 33. While Pakistan’s attack kept things tight, Haris Rauf struggled with his lengths, conceding 50 runs in just 3.4 overs, which proved costly in the end.
