Tilak Varma’s calmness under pressure guided India to a memorable Asia Cup triumph over Pakistan in Dubai. The 22 years old batter held his nerve with an unbeaten 69 off 53 deliveries, striking boundaries at crucial moments, including a six off Haris Rauf in the final over that sealed the game. Alongside Shivam Dube, who added a rapid 33, Tilak Varma turned a tense chase into a controlled finish. Their 60-run partnership not only rescued India from early trouble but also earned Tilak Varma the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Fans across social media hailed him as the hero of the night, praising his maturity and temperament at such a young age. Here are some selected reactions:
https://x.com/shayan_speaks/status/1972365652725031250
https://x.com/ImKiran_25/status/1972375739262783793
https://x.com/rohann__45/status/1972376350007701738
https://x.com/icelandcricket/status/1972368494470775054
https://x.com/AppayyaRamarao/status/1972381544997359871
https://x.com/ANI/status/1972381307893371016
https://x.com/The_WinterGuy/status/1972371039989678308
https://x.com/TripathySubrat/status/1972373368025547225
https://x.com/memecentral_teb/status/1972495123251679589
https://x.com/kamalraj_0007/status/1972376258068840624
https://x.com/NitinRatho21196/status/1972396886532489236
https://x.com/AppayyaRamarao/status/1972379355264548947
https://x.com/VikasPa01157099/status/1972373965852361007
https://x.com/Priyannkaa520/status/1972386885214605409
https://x.com/SijuMoothedath/status/1972429530452365788
India’s win, however, was overshadowed by controversy during the post-match presentation. The team refused to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, leaving the ceremony in chaos. The Indian players chose to celebrate without the silverware, standing firm on their position that they could not accept honours from a figure representing a hostile neighbour. The unusual standoff drew loud support from Indian fans in the stands, who chanted slogans while the trophy was eventually taken off the stage.
The BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the team’s stand and criticised Mohsin Naqvi’s conduct, adding that India would raise a strong protest at the upcoming ICC meeting. At the same time, he congratulated the players and support staff for their dominant performance throughout the tournament, recalling how India had convincingly beaten Pakistan in every encounter. Devajit Saikia also announced a cash reward of Rs 21 crore for the squad and staff in recognition of their unbeaten campaign, describing the victory as a moment of national pride.
Despite the off-field drama, India’s cricketing excellence defined the night. From Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive spell that triggered Pakistan’s collapse to Tilak Varma’s assured finish, the performance highlighted both skill and resilience.
As fireworks lit up the Dubai sky, Suryakumar Yadav and his men celebrated together, showing that the absence of a trophy could not diminish the joy of an emphatic win over their fiercest rivals.
Congratulations, team India!
