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India emerged as the winners of the Asia Cup 2025 by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling final, securing their ninth overall title in the history of the competition. The 17th edition of the Asia Cup was contested in the T20 format, and India clinched the trophy in the grand finale on Sunday, 28 September 2025, with a five-wicket victory. This marked India’s second triumph in the T20 version of the tournament, after their first win in 2016.
India beat Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash lived up to its billing as cricket fans witnessed individual brilliance and nerve-wracking moments. Batting first, Pakistan failed to post a big total, and India comfortably chased the score with Tilak Verma holding his nerve. Verma’s crucial innings of 69 runs from 53 balls, combined with two sharp catches, earned him the Player of the Match award. Abhishek Sharma, who had been a rising star throughout the campaign, played another match-defining knock, while Shivam Dube chipped in as the “Gamechanger of the Match.”
India’s victory reaffirmed their dominance in Asian cricket tournaments. Out of 17 editions of the Asia Cup, India have now lifted the trophy nine times — the highest by any team. Their consistent performance throughout the competition placed them ahead of their rivals and further consolidated their supremacy in the region.
Complete list of winners and the details of prize money
The Asia Cup 2025 carried a total prize purse of US $78,000, distributed among teams and individual performers. The winner, India, received US $30,000, while runners-up Pakistan were awarded US $20,000. In addition to team rewards, individual excellence was recognized with generous cash prizes.
Complete Prize money distribution
- Winner (India): USD $30,000
- Runner-up (Pakistan): USD $20,000
- Man of the Series: USD $15,000
- Player of the Match (Final): USD $5,000
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): USD $15,000
- Highest Wicket Taker: USD $1,000
- Highest Run Scorer: USD $1,000
List of Asia Cup 2025 awards and top performers
The tournament not only witnessed India’s collective teamwork but also remarkable individual brilliance.
- Winner: India
- Runner-up: Pakistan
- Player of the Series: Abhishek Sharma (314 runs)
- Player of the Match (Final): Tilak Verma (69 runs, 2 catches)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Kuldeep Yadav
- Highest Wicket Taker: Kuldeep Yadav (17 wickets)
- Highest Run Scorer: Abhishek Sharma (314 runs)
- Gamechanger of the Match: Shivam Dubey (33 runs off 22 balls)
Kuldeep Yadav’s impactful bowling throughout the tournament made him the most successful bowler, while Abhishek’s consistency with the bat cemented his status as one of the brightest young Indian talents.
Trophy controversy during award ceremony
The post-final celebrations were overshadowed by controversy when Team India refused to collect the trophy during the award ceremony. The trophy presentation was to be done by Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan’s Interior Minister. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the Indian team decided not to take the trophy from him, citing political sensitivities.
Saikia clarified that while the team protested, they expected the trophy and medals to be handed over to the players later. He further revealed that India will raise a strong objection during the upcoming ICC conference in Dubai in November. Even commentators, including Simon Doull, confirmed on air that the ACC had been informed of India’s stance ahead of the presentation ceremony.
