India defeats Pakistan in five-wicket Asia Cup 2025 win amid tensions

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, a tense finale punctuated by on- and off-field controversies including a refusal to exchange handshakes, provocative player gestures earlier in the tournament, and a delayed, disputed trophy presentation. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, speaking before and after the match, defended his players' on-field aggression while criticizing aspects of the tournament's conduct and announcing a postmatch donation of Pakistan's match fees to families affected by Operation Sindoor.

India completed a dramatic chase with key contributions from Tilak Varma, who scored 69, and bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who took 4 for 30, as India successfully reached their target in the final overs. Agha acknowledged Pakistan's bowling performance but said his side faltered with the bat. "We lost wickets while batting. We were outstanding with the ball, but didn't have enough runs on the board," he said after the match, adding that Pakistan needed to address batting issues quickly.

The finals came after a series of tensions that began in the group stage on September 14, when members of the Indian contingent declined to exchange...