Kuldeep, Tilak power India to ninth Asia Cup crown in Dubai

Riding on Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul and Tilak Varma's half-century, India mauled Pakistan by five wickets in the politically charged final to lift the ninth Asia Cup title.

- Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Reporter

The Asia Cup final lived up to its billing as the topsy-turvy match seesawed on either side, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats.

Defending an under-par score, Pakistan did make some inroads through their bowlers to spice up the match.

Dangerous opener Abhishek Sharma could not carry his momentum into the final as he was the first man to go. He spooned a simple catch to Rauf off Faheem Ashraf.

Out of form Indian captain Suryakumar and Shubman Gill followed in quick succession as India were 20/3 in four overs. Needing another 126 to win, India needed a big partnership. Tilak and Sanju Samson added 57 runs for the fourth wicket to tilt the game in India’s favour once again.

Samson was dropped, when batting on 12, by Talat off Abrar. He went to add another 12 runs to his personal score. Abrar broke the partnership but it was too late as the damage was done.

India were 83/4 in 14 overs. Tilak plundered 17 off Rauf to turn the tables on Pakistan as India reached 100/4 in 15 overs. Tilak and Dube took the match as deep as possible.

They added 60 runs to all but end Pakistan's hopes. Tilak remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls as India went over the line with two balls remaining.

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav-led spinners staged a miraculous fightback as India brought down high-flying Pakistan.