The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the Men in Blue’s emphatic triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, calling it both a sporting and symbolic statement. India clinched the continental crown for the ninth time with a five-wicket win at the Dubai International Stadium, a result that resonated far beyond the scoreboard.
Following the victory, the BCCI posted a sharp message on social media: “3 blows. 0 response. Asia Cup Champions. Message delivered.” Alongside the remark, the board confirmed a prize of $2.5 million (₹21 crore) for players and support staff in recognition of their efforts throughout the campaign.
The contest itself had all the drama expected of an India-Pakistan final. Pakistan started brightly, reaching 113/1 in the 13th over, but India’s bowlers orchestrated a stunning turnaround. Kuldeep Yadav spearheaded the collapse with a four-wicket burst, supported by Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan, from a position of strength, crumbled to 146 all out in 19.1 overs.
India’s chase was far from smooth. The team slumped to 20/3 as openers Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma fell cheaply, followed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s early dismissal. Yet Tilak Varma’s composure steadied the innings. The young left-hander crafted a match-winning 69 not out from 51 balls, striking three boundaries and four towering sixes.
Shivam Dube provided the fireworks in the middle order, smashing a quick-fire 33, including a handful of big hits that broke Pakistan’s resistance. His 60-run partnership with Varma shifted momentum firmly India’s way. With two balls left in the innings, Varma ensured there were no slip-ups, guiding India home and sparking nationwide celebrations.
The BCCI’s reference to “3 blows. 0 response” highlighted India’s dominance throughout the tournament, having defeated Pakistan in all three encounters. Beyond just winning silverware, the team’s performance reinforced their supremacy in Asian cricket and added yet another memorable chapter to the fierce India-Pakistan rivalry.
Fans across India poured onto social media to hail the players, praising both their resilience under pressure and their clinical execution in crunch moments. For the BCCI, the $2.5 million prize underscored not just appreciation for the squad but also recognition of the backroom staff whose behind-the-scenes efforts contributed to India’s flawless campaign.
This latest triumph underlined India’s ability to thrive in high-pressure contests, cementing their position as Asia’s dominant cricketing powerhouse while sending a strong message both on and off the field.
