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Tilak Varma‘s stellar performance under pressure led India to a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, clinching their 9th title. The 22-year-old finished unbeaten on 69 from 53 balls, including a game-changing six off Haris Rauf in the final over. Tilak’s innings was the backbone of India’s chase, steering the team from a precarious 20/3 to a remarkable win.
Despite a top-order collapse, Tilak’s composure and tactical hitting anchored India’s chase, making him the standout performer. His match-winning knock, combined with a crucial 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube, was enough to edge India over the line, winning by 5 wickets with two balls to spare. For his performance, Tilak was named the ‘Player of the Match’, and this victory marked a remarkable achievement for India, completing a hat-trick of wins over Pakistan in Asia Cup finals.
Former Pakistan cricketer expresses frustration with team and coach Mike Hesson
After India sealed a nerve-wracking win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final, In a viral video, former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed expressed his admiration for Tilak’s remarkable composure and technique and slammed his side and head coach Mike Hesson. Speaking on air, he praised Varma’s ability to read the game situation and play accordingly, showcasing remarkable maturity in his chase. “This is what you call a player, Tilak Varma.” he said.
Tanvir also highlighted Tilak’s ability to anchor the innings under pressure, steering India’s ship through a turbulent start. While others faltered, Tilak’s calculated aggression allowed India to recover and chase down 147 runs. His sixes off Rauf in the 20th over and his strategic approach to spinners were seen as key moments in India’s chase. The Pakistan cricketer further acknowledged how Tilak’s sensible play in such a high-stakes situation reminded him of India’s overall strategy.
“Why did India win? Why did India win?” He further elaborated, praising Tilak for his technical skills, ability to play spinners, and his sensible approach to the game. “He showed how to score 8-8.5 runs per over, and he even told our head coach, who was sitting outside,” Tanveer concluded.
Tilak’s ability to perform in crunch situations speaks volumes about his temperament and versatility. The way he handled Pakistan’s fast bowlers and spinners showed his adaptability to different match scenarios. His knock has now been etched in the history of India’s Asia Cup victories, and his influence on India’s triumph against Pakistan is undeniable.
Here’s the video:
Tilak’s match-winning knock and record feats
Tilak’s performance in the final was a display of exceptional temperament and strike power under immense pressure. He finished with an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, a match-winning effort that earned him the Player of the Match award. His incredible innings was laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes.
Key highlights and records:
- Second-highest score in a final: Tilak’s unbeaten 69 is the second-highest individual score in the history of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup finals, surpassed only by Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa‘s 71 not out in the 2022 final.
- Maximum sixes in a final: His tally of 4 sixes is the most hit by a batter in a T20 Asia Cup final.
- The chase master: Since his T20I debut in 2023, Tilak has been India’s key player in successful T20I run-chases. In 11 such innings, he has amassed 370 runs at an outstanding average of 92.50 and a strike rate of 134.54 (including 3 half-centuries).
- Closing on a milestone: In his 32 T20I appearances (30 innings), Tilak is closing in on a significant milestone, having already racked up 962 runs at a remarkable average of 53.44 and a staggering strike rate of 149.14. His international T20 career so far includes two tons and four half-centuries.
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