The final of the 2025 Asia Cup concluded on September 28 in Dubai, featuring two primary rivals. The tournament, which took place from September 9-28 across venues in the UAE, saw eight teams compete for the trophy. This edition marked the 17th time the continental tournament has been held in a T20 format.
The Final Breakdown

Pakistan batted first after winning the toss, but it did not pan out for them. They were bowled out for 146 runs in 19.1 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 57 runs from 38 balls and Fakhar Zaman contributing 46 runs from 35 balls, giving Pakistan something to defend.

At one point the team looked well placed at 113 for 1 in the 13th over, only for everything to fall apart as Kuldeep Yadav performed his magic with 4 wickets for 30 runs and broke Pakistan. Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, each took 2 wickets and limited Pakistan to a small total.

The Chase That Had Everyone on Edge

The team also struggled to chase down the target. Early wickets fell, and the pressure became evident. However, that is when Tilak Varma stepped up to the plate. He was calm throughout, and made 69 runs unbeaten off 53 balls highlighting why he is so highly rated. 

Varma found a reliable ally in Shivam Dube, who violently made 33 runs off 22 balls. Together they made a crucial 60-run partnership that helped reverse the innings. 

When it was time to finish things off, Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary off the last delivery of the 20th over. The end score was 150 runs for 5 wickets down in 19.4 overs.

The Tournament Journey

Here’s how both teams advanced to the final:

 – There were eight teams in the tournament divided into two pools 

– The best two teams from both pools proceeded to the Super Four stage 

– Each finalist finished first in their pool 

– They played each other several times prior to the ultimate championship contest. 

The format of the tournament provided a challenge, requiring only the best teams reach the final match. 

In the Super Four stage, there were competitive matches, as all four teams played their hearts out.

What Does This Title Mean For Them?

This marks the ninth title for the team in the Asia Cup (and second in T20) after they successfully defended their 2023 continental title (ODI). And the win establishes their supremacy – they are clearly the team to beat in Asia across all formats!

For spectators, it had everything one could hope for – drama, tension, quality performances, and a nail-biting end. Those in attendance inside Dubai International Stadium and viewers across the world certainly got their excellent value for money.

Star performers that made the difference 

Throughout the tournament, there were many notable performances: 

 – Abishek Sharma led the run charts with 314 runs made at a strike rate of 200

 – Kuldeep Yadav finished as the leading wicket taker with 17 wickets taken

– Pathum Nissanka scored a hundred in the Super Four 

 – Tilak Varma scored 213 runs in two innings at an average of 71.

These figures exhibit how performances contributed to the consistency that has taken all through to finals.

Why the Match Was Held in UAE

The tournament was initially set to be held in a different part of the world, but political unrest changed the plans. The UAE agreed to host the tournament in no time because they have held various tournaments of that scale. All matches will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

Then, in July of 2025, the Asian Cricket Council made the determination at their meeting in Dhaka. In hindsight, it was a good decision, and both venues have hosted matches without issue throughout the month of September.

The Khelofun Platform Brings it All Together.

We know how hard it can be for cricket fans to keep track of contests and results. Khelofun has become the home for fans who want to keep in touch with tournaments such as this one, as well as easily access scoring, and performances, and overall tournament action across all sports.

Khelofun has made the flow of information as seamless and paramount to pitched bowlers as possible for cricket fans for those specific types of information they may like to find out, whether it is contest updates, or keeping up on a participant statistical profile throughout the season. 

Looking Forward After This Title

The tournament culminated in a presentation ceremony that in itself also had all its drama. This team walked away with the championship title again justifying its title as the best team in the region. Now leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup regardless soon, that title win will give them a lot of momentum. 

The tournament showed again how competitive T20 cricket in Asia continues to become. We watched many young stars emerge, seasoned participants get timely performances, and fans were just treated to a lot of exciting traditional cricket over a short three weeks.

The Asia Cup should be remembered by its quality cricket, competing in a rivalry match, and a final contest that actually lived up to predictable expectations. 

The champions walked away with their heads held high, having earned every bit of that trophy through consistent performances across the tournament.