India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a commanding five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai — but celebrations turned unusual when the team refused to accept the trophy.
Batting first, Pakistan were bundled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan fought hard with 57, while Fakhar Zaman added 46, but no other batter crossed double figures. Kuldeep Yadav was the chief destroyer, claiming 4 wickets to put India firmly in control.
In reply, India chased down the target with 5 balls to spare, finishing on 150 for 5 in 19.4 overs. Tilak Varma anchored the innings with a superb unbeaten 69 to seal victory for his side.
The post-match presentation took a dramatic turn when India rejected receiving the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi. With the symbolic cup declined, the prize-giving ceremony was delayed by nearly an hour before Naqvi eventually left the stadium with the trophy in hand.
India, however, celebrated their title win without the silverware, marking a rare finale where the champions walked away without lifting the cup.
