Team India lifted the Asia Cup 2025 after defeating Pakistan by five wickets on Sunday, claiming the title for the 9th time. Tilak Verma’s unbeaten knock, Shivam Dubey’s crucial innings, and Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant bowling spearheaded India’s resounding victory.
Team India won the title without losing a single match in this Asia Cup. Moreover, they successfully defended the title, achieving a hat-trick of victories over Pakistan. In this sequence, a particular Pakistani player deserves mention.
The player in question is Haris Rauf, who drew attention for his aggressive play for Pakistan. In the Super 4 match against India, Rauf clashed with openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, making controversial 6-0 gestures towards Indian fans.
After dismissing Abhishek Sharma in the final, Rauf made another gesture suggesting the plane had crashed. However, his performance ultimately favoured Team India.
Pakistan was bowled out for 146 runs in the final. During India’s chase, they lost the wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill for just 20 runs. At this point, Pakistani players and fans seemed to have the upper hand, with bowlers delivering tight spells, but Rauf’s performance shifted the momentum.
Rauf, who bowled 3.4 overs, conceded 50 runs without taking a wicket. In the 18th over, Rauf gave away 16 runs. While Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson gestured to bowl off-side yorkers, Rauf delivered leg-side balls, allowing Tilak Verma and Shivam Dubey to hit sixes.
Pakistan used six bowlers, five of whom maintained an economy under 7.5. However, Rauf’s expensive spell at 13.63 runs per over proved costly, helping Team India secure victory. Many Pakistani fans felt another player should have been chosen in his place. Several cricket commentators are of the opinion that Rauf’s erratic performance may have led to Pakistan’s defeat.
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