Bumrah strikes early
Jasprit Bumrah removes both openers inside the powerplay, leaving Pakistan at 30/2.
India chase 187 in 18.4 overs to qualify for the final; Kohli named Man of the Match.
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In a thrilling encounter at Colombo on 14 May 2025, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 5 wickets in the Asia Cup 2025. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 82 to guide India's chase of 187 in just 18.4 overs. Jasprit Bumrah earlier took 3 wickets for 22 runs, restricting Pakistan to 186/7. Rohit Sharma contributed 42 at the top. Pakistan's Babar Azam top-scored with 54. With this win, India qualified for the final. Kohli was named Man of the Match.
India's win was built on Jasprit Bumrah's early breakthroughs. He removed Pakistan's openers inside the powerplay, leaving them at 30/2. Babar Azam anchored the innings with 54, but Bumrah returned to dismiss him in the 15th over. Pakistan's lower order added only 40 runs in the last 5 overs. India's chase was clinical: Rohit Sharma attacked the new ball, scoring 42 off 28 balls. After his dismissal, Virat Kohli took charge, rotating strike and hitting boundaries at will. India needed 45 off the last 6 overs but finished with 8 balls to spare.
The Colombo crowd, largely supporting Pakistan, fell silent as Virat Kohli marched towards victory. His 82 off 56 balls included 8 fours and 2 sixes. Each boundary drew roars from the Indian contingent. For Kohli, this was a personal milestone — his first 80-plus score against Pakistan in an ODI since 2019. The win also ended India's two-match losing streak against Pakistan in ODIs. Fans in India celebrated late into the night, with social media flooded with praise for the former captain.
This victory confirms India's spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India's all-round performance — Bumrah's bowling and Kohli's batting — signals strong form ahead of the final. Pakistan, despite Babar's half-century, will rue missed chances. The result also boosts India's confidence for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy later this year.
Chronology
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Jasprit Bumrah removes both openers inside the powerplay, leaving Pakistan at 30/2.
Babar Azam scores 54 off 68 balls, holding the innings together after early wickets.
Pakistan finish at 186/7 in 20 overs, with Bumrah taking 3/22.
Rohit Sharma scores 42 off 28 balls, giving India a flying start in the chase.
Virat Kohli scores an unbeaten 82 off 56 balls to guide India to victory with 8 balls to spare.
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