The stage was set in Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025 final — India vs Pakistan, where 25,000 fans were roaring in anticipation. Pakistan came out to bat after India won the toss and chose to set a target, but their innings turned into a rollercoaster ride filled with early fireworks, sudden collapses, and a brilliant fightback from India’s spinners.

Farhan and Fakhar light up the powerplay

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman walked out with intent, determined to give Pakistan a flying start. And they did just that. Farhan played a sparkling knock of 57 off just 38 balls, peppering the boundaries with five fours and three towering sixes. Fakhar complemented him perfectly with his 46 off 35, keeping the Indian bowlers under pressure. Together, they stitched an 84-run partnership that had Pakistani fans dreaming of a big total.

The turning point, however, came in the 10th over when Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Farhan. The wicket silenced the crowd and opened the door for India’s spinners to take control.

Once Farhan departed, Pakistan’s innings quickly lost momentum. Youngster Saim Ayub managed 14 before falling to Kuldeep Yadav, and from there the middle order crumbled. Mohammad Haris lasted only two balls, Salman Agha tried but couldn’t get going, and Hussain Talat was sent back cheaply.

From a strong position at 113 for 1, Pakistan collapsed to 131 for 5 in just a few overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with a stunning 4/30, while Axar Patel chipped in with two crucial wickets.

With the pressure mounting, Pakistan’s lower order had no answers. Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Nawaz all fell cheaply, leaving only Abrar Ahmed stranded unbeaten on 1. Haris Rauf struck a quick six but was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah soon after.

From a position of promise, Pakistan were bundled out for 146 in 19.1 overs — a total that looked well short on a Dubai pitch offering little help to bowlers.

For India, the bowlers stuck to their plans beautifully. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-wicket haul turned the game on its head, while Bumrah (2/25) and Axar Patel (2/26) provided perfect support. Varun Chakaravarthy also chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Pakistan never recovered after losing their openers.

 Pakistan’s innings was a tale of two halves — explosive at the start, but completely undone by India’s spin web in the middle overs. From 84/0, they crashed to 146 all out, leaving India with a golden chance to chase down the target and lift the Asia Cup trophy in Dubai.