Finance
Tilak Varma, a left-handed batsman, scored an unbeaten 69 to lead India to a five-wicket victory over archrivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, winning the Asia Cup for the eighth time.
Coming in with India on 20/3, Tilak performed an innings of poise and precision under pressure, hitting three fours and four sixes in a knock that will be remembered for years. While others fell, Tilak stood tall by leading the chase and delivering a masterclass in timing and composure, allowing India to reach the finish line with two balls to spare and end a dramatic and intense tournament with a trophy in hand.
Previously, Kuldeep Yadav led India’s charge with four wickets, three of which came in the 17th over, as India staged a spectacular turnaround to bowl out Pakistan for 146 in 19.1 overs. In front of a large crowd, Pakistan had raced to 113/1 in 12.4 overs and appeared to be on track for a 180-plus total.
But in the face of India’s cunning spinners, who took eight wickets in total, Pakistan’s batting unravelled spectacularly. Batters attempted aerial shots repeatedly and failed miserably, losing their final nine wickets for only 33 runs and squandering their early momentum.
Kuldeep, who went from 23 runs in his first two overs to picking four wickets for just seven runs in his next two overs, was well-supported by Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy taking two wickets each.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 146 in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4-30, Jasprit Bumrah 2-25) lost to India 150/5 in 19.4 overs (Tilak Varma 69 not out, Shivam Dube 33; Faheem Ashraf 3-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-20) by five wickets
Source: IANS
