The Asia Cup 2025 concluded after nearly four weeks of intense continental cricket, culminating in a thrilling final that saw India claim the title for a record ninth time. They defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a dramatic finish at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India’s thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final

The final was a nail-biter, with India securing a tense five-wicket victory with just two balls to spare. Pakistan, after a strong start, collapsed dramatically to be bowled out for 146, thanks primarily to a sensational 4/30 spell by Kuldeep Yadav. In the chase of 147, India’s top order faltered, slumping to 20/3.

However, young batter Tilak Varma anchored the innings with a composed and unbeaten 69 off 53 balls. He shared crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube to revive the chase. With 10 runs needed off the last over, Tilak hit a massive six before Rinku Singh smashed the winning boundary off the only ball he faced in the tournament, sparking wild celebrations. The win cemented India’s status as the undisputed champions of Asian cricket.

Here’s the team of the tournament for Asia Cup 2025

1. Abhishek Sharma (India) – Player of the Tournament

The Indian opener, Abhishek Sharma, was the undisputed batting sensation and the deserving Player of the Tournament, finishing as the top run-scorer with a blistering 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and an exceptional strike rate of 200.00. Abhishek redefined powerplay batting with his fearless approach, constantly giving India explosive starts that laid the foundation for their success.

Abhishek’s consistency was remarkable, highlighted by three crucial consecutive half-centuries in the high-stakes Super Fours stage, proving he could perform under pressure. He became the first-ever batter in a single Asia Cup edition to smash 15 or more sixes, demonstrating his elite power-hitting capability. His defining performance came against Bangladesh in the Super Fours, where his rapid 75 off just 37 balls ensured India posted a match-winning total, cementing his status as the tournament’s most impactful batter.

2. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Pathum Nissanka provided the perfect foil for the explosive opener, bringing both class and stability to the top of the order for Sri Lanka, culminating in a tally of 261 runs at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 160.12. He was the tournament’s sole centurion, recording a magnificent hundred against tournament champions India in a Super Over thriller, a knock that showcased his ability to anchor an innings while scoring at a brisk pace.

Nissanka displayed excellent shot selection and temperament, often batting deep into the innings to ensure Sri Lanka maintained momentum. His ability to blend aggression with traditional cricketing shots meant he could shift gears as required, making him a vital presence in Sri Lanka’s run to the Super Fours and an automatic selection to complete the opening partnership of the Best XI.

3. Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer among the Pakistan batters, finishing the tournament with a commendable 217 runs, showcasing his ability to provide powerful starts. His most vital innings came in the final against India, where he registered a fighting fifty that set a promising foundation for the innings. Farhan’s role as an aggressor was crucial for Pakistan, as he consistently attempted to maximize the powerplay and provide impetus at the top of the order. His impressive run tally and key contributions in high-stakes matches ensured he was the only Pakistan specialist batter to feature prominently in the tournament’s best line-up.

4. Tilak Varma (India)

Batting in a critical middle-order position, Tilak emerged as India’s pillar of strength, accumulating 213 runs at a stunning average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 131.48. His performances were characterized by a maturity that defied his young age, as he perfectly navigated the pressure of the middle overs.

Tilak’s most memorable contribution was his gritty, unbeaten 69 off 53 balls in the final against Pakistan, an innings of pure nerve and technical quality that anchored a difficult chase after India lost early wickets. Throughout the tournament, the southpaw showed great tactical awareness, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when needed, proving he is a top-quality, all-conditions T20 batter capable of playing any role required by the team management.

5. Suryakumar Yadav (India) – Captain

Suryakumar Yadav earns his place not solely on the basis of his batting statistics (72 runs at an average of 18.00) but overwhelmingly for his astute and assured captaincy that guided a new-look Indian team to their record ninth Asia Cup title. Despite a quieter-than-expected run with the bat, Suryakumar was an inspiring and tactically sharp leader, demonstrating clear conviction in his players and their plans.

He marshaled his bowling resources brilliantly, especially his spinners, and his calm decision-making in high-pressure games, including the final, was instrumental in India’s victories. His leadership provided the framework for the individual brilliance of his teammates, making him the definitive choice to captain the Team of the Tournament.

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6. Sanju Samson (India) – Wicketkeeper

Sanju Samson was one of India’s most underrated yet crucial contributors, serving as the primary wicketkeeper while delivering critical middle-order knocks, scoring 132 runs at an average of 33.00 and a strike rate of 124.52. He seamlessly transitioned to a new finishing role, playing invaluable cameos that accelerated the innings in the death overs. Notably, his explosive 39 off 23 balls against Sri Lanka in the Super Fours earned him the ‘Impact Player’ medal for injecting momentum into the innings and helping India cross the 200-run mark. Behind the stumps, he was clinical, taking sharp catches and effecting crucial stumpings, including the decisive one in the final, proving his value as a reliable, big-game wicketkeeper.

7. Hardik Pandya (India)

Hardik Pandya was the quintessential fast-bowling all-rounder, offering immense strike power with the bat and invaluable medium-fast bowling. With the ball, he was a key wicket-taker, claiming 4 wickets with an economy rate of 7.15, often bowling crucial overs in the Powerplay or at the death. With the bat, he provided explosive power-hitting and a stabilizing presence, scoring 48 runs at a strike rate of 150.00, giving the Indian side firepower and flexibility in the middle order. His ability to consistently contribute with both ball and bat, and deliver in high-pressure moments, was crucial in balancing the side, making him a perfect choice for the primary all-rounder’s spot in this balanced side.

8. Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)

The Sri Lankan wrist-spinner and explosive lower-order hitter, Wanindu Hasaranga, was the key spin anchor for his team, delivering a tournament-long performance that validated his world-class status. He finished with 8 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 6.50, consistently stifling opposition batters during the middle overs with his variations and accurate lengths. Hasaranga’s presence provided the necessary control and wicket-taking threat that every successful T20 team needs. Furthermore, his renowned power-hitting ability provides invaluable depth to this Best XI’s batting line-up, making him a complete package in the all-rounder’s slot.

9. Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

Shaheen Afridi led the Pakistani pace attack with characteristic fire and menace, proving to be one of the most impactful fast bowlers in the tournament. He finished with 10 wickets, a tally that showcased his ability to strike both with the new ball and in the death overs. Afridi’s initial bursts provided key breakthroughs for Pakistan in almost every match, putting immediate pressure on the opposition’s top order. His spell in the final, though ultimately in a losing cause, was a masterclass in T20 pace bowling, as he maintained tight lines and delivered crucial yorkers, cementing his reputation as a world-class left-arm quick and a guaranteed selection in any continental Best XI.

10. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh’s veteran left-arm fast-medium bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, continued to be a master of T20 bowling, especially at the death, finishing with a haul of 9 wickets while being highly economical. His subtle variations, particularly the deceptive slower ball and cutters, proved highly effective on the UAE surfaces, often frustrating batters who struggled to pick his changes of pace. Mustafizur was Bangladesh’s most reliable bowler, delivering crucial spells in the middle and final overs to keep his team in the contest, and his knack for breaking partnerships under pressure secures his spot as a pace spearhead in this side.

11. Kuldeep Yadav (India)

Kuldeep was the undisputed strike bowler of the Asia Cup 2025, topping the charts with a staggering 17 wickets at a phenomenal average of 9.29 and a wicket every 11.6 balls. The Indian wrist-spinner was simply unplayable at times, using a subtle mix of flight, dip, and changes in pace and line to bamboozle batters. His performance in the final was legendary, where his spell of 4/30 triggered a massive Pakistan collapse that fundamentally changed the course of the match and ensured India lifted the trophy. Kuldeep’s mastery over his craft and his ability to take wickets consistently in the crucial middle overs makes him the automatic choice for the specialist spinner’s role.

12th Player: Junaid Siddique (UAE)

Junaid Siddique, the fast bowler from the UAE, takes the 12th player spot for being the most outstanding performer from the associate nations. Despite his team’s early exit, Siddique was a consistent wicket-taker, claiming 9 wickets in only 3 group stage matches. His standout performance was a devastating 4/18 against Pakistan, a spell that briefly rattled the former champions. His impressive strike rate and genuine pace proved he could compete effectively with the best in the continent, showcasing the talent pool of the emerging cricket nations.

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