Tilak Varma Takes Sly Dig at Haris Rauf After Asia Cup Win: ‘He Might Be World-Class But…’ | Cricket News

Last Updated:September 30, 2025, 13:12 IST

Tilak Varma leads India to Asia Cup win against Pakistan in Dubai, outplaying Haris Rauf with a match-winning 69 not out in a tense final.

Pakistan cricketers had plenty to say to Varma as he walked out in the Asia Cup final, spurring him on to produce one of the defining knocks of his career.

With India in trouble after early wickets, Varma walked in under pressure. Amidst the usual hostilities between the two teams and plenty said to him, he stayed composed and delivered a batting masterclass in a tense situation.

“Haris Rauf might be a world-class bowler but I am also a good batter,” Varma said while speaking to the media in Hyderabad.

Needing 10 from the final over, Varma smashed Rauf to mid-wicket, then Rinku Singh, with his first shot of the tournament, sent Indian fans into ecstasy with the winning four.

After India slumped to 20/3 in the first five overs, Varma (69* off 53) remained composed yet audacious, with Samson (24) and Dube (33 off 21) providing stellar support as India chased down 147 in the final over.

A 60-run partnership between Shivam Dube and Varma guided India to the Asia Cup title with two deliveries to spare, with the latter unbeaten on 69 off 53.

Varma had earlier mentioned that the stadium’s electric atmosphere inspired him to shine in the high-stakes game.

Tilak’s half-century anchored India’s chase of 147, leading to a thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, September 28.

Player of the match Tilak had earlier stated that he trusted his game under pressure, stepping in when India were struggling at 10/2.

Varma had earlier lauded Sanju Samson and Dube for stitching crucial stands with him. “Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was important for the country,” he said.