Star India cricketer jokes about Pakistan pacer’s role in India’s Asia Cup win, says, ‘Thanks to…

Star India cricketer R Ashwin showered Tilak Varma for guiding India's chase and jokingly credited Haris Rauf's bowling for aiding the win.

New Delhi: Haris Rauf’s over turned out to be a key part in India’s Asia Cup 2025 final win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. While India’s chase of 147 appeared comfortable at first, the quick dismissals of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and captian Suryakumar Yadav gave Pakistan the upper hand. But Rauf’s loose spells in the 15th and 18th overs shifted the momentum back to India.

Rauf’s spell shifted the momentum back to India

India were struggling at 83/4 at the start of the 15th over, with Shivam Dube on strike and Tilak Varma at the other end. Dube smashed a boundary in the first ball of the over followed by a single. Varma hit a half-volley with a straight four and added another single. Dube picked up one more run to hand Varma the strike for the last ball. Rauf bowled another poor delivery, which Varma dispatched over deep backward square for six. India collected 17 runs from the over, moving to 100/4.

At the end of the 17th over, India were at 117/4, needing 30 runs from the last 18 balls. The over started with a single, followed by a wide from Rauf, then two singles and a double. Varma added another single before Dube took strike for the last ball. Rauf attempted a yorker, but it turned into a full toss, which Dube hit easily for a six. India scored 13 runs in the over, taking India to 130/4. In the 19th over, Pakistan dismissed Dube for 33 but managed seven runs, moving to 137/5.

Rinku Singh hit the winning shot

With 10 runs needed in the last over, Rauf was once again came in to bowl. The over started with a double and then Varma smashed him for a six and then a single. Rinku Singh hit the winning shot and helped India secure victory over Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, R Ashwin showered praise on Tilak Varma for playing a calm and composed knock, guiding India’s run chase as he remained unbeated at 69 off 53 balls.

R Ashwin praised Tilak, while mocked Rauf

“Tilak Varma absolutely stole the show. He showed that he made of veins of ice. Outstanding knock. India were in a very precarious situation. Thanks to Haris Rauf, we won the match easily,” he said.

Rauf had a forgettable outing in Dubai, as he conceded 50 runs in just 3.4 overs at an economy rate of 13.64. Meanwhile, India’s bowlers delivered a strong performance as Pakistan managed to post only 146. Kuldeep Yadav picked four wickets, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel grabbed two wickets each.

Story Highlight

1. Haris Rauf’s over turned out to be a key part in India’s Asia Cup 2025 final win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.
2. While India’s chase of 147 appeared comfortable at first, the quick dismissals of Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and captian Suryakumar Yadav shifted the momentum towards Pakistan.
3. Haris Rauf’s lose spells in the 15th and 18 th over helped India to take control of the game.
4. R Ashwin showered praise on Tilak Varma for playing a calm and composed knock, while also jocked about Haris Rauf’s role in India’s Asia Cup win.