🎵 We are the champions, my friends… And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end… 🎵

The Indian cricket team defeated Pakistan by five wickets in yet another humdinger of a Final to lift the Asia Cup trophy for the ninth time. 🏆

Put in to bat first, the opposition gave a tough time to the Suya-led team in the first 10 overs, only to lose the plot and crumble in the second half of the innings.

Here’s how the triumphant evening unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium:

1st innings = Story of two phases

Pakistani openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman came out with an attacking intent. While Farhan amassed 57 off 38, Zaman scored 35-ball 46 as the scoreboard read 87/1 at the halfway mark.

What followed next was a classic comeback by the bowlers, who took wickets at regular intervals to put the brakes on the scoring rate AND HOW! 🔥

From 87/1 to 146-all out, this splendid performance once again highlighted the strength of our bowling unit & showcased why it’s the most feared among teams across the globe.

Kuldeep Yadav led the exhibition, claiming 4/30 to take his tally to 17 wickets in the on\going tournament and finish at the top of the wicket-taking charts. 👏

Uh oh! Not an ideal start to the chase

With the target of 147 in sight, Team India quickly found themselves in a spot of bother, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. At the end of 10 overs, the scorecard read 58/3 as Samson and Tilak steadied the ship.

आपलं STARBOY for a reason!

When the going gets tough, TILAK VARMA gets going!

The Southpaw took the pressure head-on and played an unbeaten 69-run knock to spare the blushes and take India over the line. His priceless knock was graced by three fours and four maximums! 🚀

He was thoroughly supported by Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, who chipped in with invaluable 24 and 33, respectively, to steer their side home!

Paltan, time to CELEBRATE EVERY BIT OF THIS DESERVED VICTORY! 🥳

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Brief scores: Pakistan 146/10 (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Kuldeep Yadav 4/30) lost to India 150/5 (Tilak Varma 69*, Faheem Ashraf 3/29) by five wickets.