India lifted their ninth Asia Cup title in a dramatic T20I final against Pakistan — and surprisingly, much of the credit goes to Haris Rauf’s costly overs that completely shifted the momentum. Despite a nervy start to their chase, India capitalized on Rauf’s generosity in two crucial moments, which ultimately paved the way for their thrilling victory.
Pakistan’s Platform Crumbles After Strong Start
Pakistan appeared well on track for a competitive total after a brilliant start from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, reaching 98/1 in 11 overs and 113/2 after 13. However, their innings fell apart spectacularly, as India’s bowlers turned the tide in the final overs. Pakistan collapsed, scoring just 18 runs in the last four overs and losing six wickets, folding for 146 — a total that felt 10-15 runs short.
India began the chase with a 70% win probability (WP), but early strikes from Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi left them reeling at 20/3. At 36/3 after the powerplay, the game was finely balanced, with India’s WP dropping into the 30s.
Samson and Varma Steady the Ship
A crucial partnership between Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma helped India recover and keep the required run rate within reach. However, it was Haris Rauf’s two expensive overs — the 15th and 18th — that completely flipped the contest in India’s favour.
The 15th Over – Momentum Swings India’s Way
Before the over:
- India: 83/4
- Needed: 64 off 36 balls (RR: 10.66)
After the over:
- India: 100/4
- Needed: 47 off 30 balls (RR: 9.4)
Impact: India’s win probability surged by nearly 20%. The over dragged the target below 50 with five overs remaining, calming nerves and giving Indian batters a clear plan to finish the chase.
The 18th Over – The Game-Sealing Blow
Before the over:
- India: 117/4
- Needed: 30 off 18 balls (RR: 10)
After the over:
- India: 130/4
- Needed: 17 off 12 balls (RR: 8.5)
Impact: Another massive WP swing — about 25% in India’s favour. From this point, the Men in Blue were firmly in control, even with a couple of dot balls in the 19th over. Rauf returned for the final over, but the result was inevitable — India sealed the win with two balls to spare.
How Rauf’s Overs Changed Everything
Those two overs — the 15th and 18th — defined the final. The first broke open the chase, and the second nearly finished it. Between them, India’s batters held their nerve, waited for the right opportunities, and struck at the perfect moments.
In a match where momentum swung wildly, Haris Rauf’s misfires turned the tide, helping India script one of their most memorable Asia Cup victories and further cement their dominance over their arch-rivals.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!