Asia Cup 2025: 'One ball, one four, one win' - Rinku Singh reflects on India's triumph over Pakistan

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to clinch the Asia Cup 2025 title on Sunday in Dubai. Unlike their previous two encounters in the tournament, this match was competitive, as Pakistan put up a strong fight against the Men in Blue. The final was also notable for Rinku Singh, who made his Asia Cup debut and immediately showcased his finishing prowess by dispatching the very first ball he faced for a boundary.

Chasing a target of 147, India found themselves in trouble early, losing three wickets for just 20 runs. However, Tilak Varma played a brilliant innings, scoring 69 runs and stabilising the chase. With the equation down to one run required from three balls, Rinku came to the crease and delivered under pressure, hitting a boundary to seal India’s victory with two balls to spare.

Speaking after the match, Rinku highlighted the significance of his role, emphasising that he needed to make an impact from the very first delivery he faced.

"Nothing else matters. This one ball matters. One was needed. I hit it for a four. Everyone knows I am a finisher. The team won, and I am really happy," Rinku told the host broadcasters after the victory.

Having slumped to 20/3 inside the first five overs, Tilak’s 69 not out off 53 proved to be a game-changer, while Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33 off 21) provided brilliant support to him as India chased down 147 in 19.4 overs.

The tension in the final was immense, fueled not just by the match itself but also by off-field events leading up to it. Yet the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav and guided by Gautam Gambhir, rose to the occasion, demonstrating remarkable fearlessness in high-pressure situations.

Kuldeep Yadav, who finished the tournament with 17 wickets, wreaked havoc with the ball, reducing Pakistan’s lower order to nine wickets for just 33 runs. Amid the top-order collapse, Tilak’s unusual calm under pressure became the defining factor in India’s chase, showing both skill and temperament.