India triumphed over Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The much-anticipated clash on Sunday lived up to the hype, but once again, India proved too strong for Pakistan, securing a five-wicket victory to claim another Asia Cup title. Tilak Varma emerged as the standout performer, playing a composed and match-winning innings to guide his team home.
Earlier, the Indian bowlers dominated Pakistan’s batting line-up, bundling them out for 146. India’s campaign was marked by consistency and control, finishing the tournament undefeated, including three wins against Pakistan.
While India never delivered a flawless performance in any single game, their overall consistency kept them ahead of the competition. Several players from other teams also impressed with individual brilliance throughout the tournament. Based on the standout performances, here is our pick for the Best XI of Asia Cup 2025, featuring the stars who set the stage alight.
Best Playing XI – Asia Cup 2025
1. Abhishek Sharma (India)
Abhishek Sharma celebrates his fifty against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma was unstoppable throughout the tournament. While his final performance wasn’t his best, he had already made huge contributions in earlier matches, playing a key role in India’s campaign. Sharma finished the tournament with 314 runs at an average of 44.85 and a staggering strike rate of 200, making him the ideal opener for this XI.
2. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka plays a shot against Bangladesh at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Coming into the Asia Cup in excellent form, Nissanka largely lived up to expectations. Despite a few low scores that cost Sri Lanka, he showcased his class with a 51-ball century against India. He ended the tournament with 261 runs at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 160.12, proving why he’s one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batters.
3. Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
Sahibzada Farhan Ullah celebrates a fifty against India in the Super Four match. Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan impressed with consistent performances in Asia Cup 2025. He played vital innings in all three matches against India, displaying excellent intent against top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. Farhan scored 217 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 116.04, showing he can also adapt well at number three if needed.
4. Tilak Varma (India)
Tilak Varma reserved his best for the final, playing a match-winning unbeaten 69 to guide India to victory. His composure under pressure makes him the perfect number four for this team. He accumulated 213 runs in the tournament at an average of 71.
5. Shivam Dube (India)
Shivam Dube may not have the most eye-catching stats, but his impact was significant. He picked up five wickets at an economy rate of 7.76 and delivered a crucial 33 off 22 in the final. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a strong pick at number five.
6. Sanju Samson (India) (Wk)
Among the tournament’s wicket-keepers, Sanju Samson stood out. He played a steady 24 off 21 in the final, forming a crucial partnership with Tilak Varma. Across four innings, he scored 132 runs at an average of 33, making him the ideal wicket-keeper batter for this XI.
7. Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)
Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka had a solid tournament. Though he struggled early, he made useful contributions later, scoring 93 runs at an average of 46.50 and a strike rate of 169.09. With the ball, he took five wickets at an economy of 8.18, providing balance as a genuine all-rounder.
8. Kuldeep Yadav (India)
Kuldeep Yadav was the tournament’s most prolific bowler, claiming 17 wickets—a record for the most wickets in a single T20I Asia Cup edition. His ability to take multiple wickets in quick succession, including two three-wicket overs, made him an unstoppable force in the spin department.
9. Varun Chakaravarthy (India)
Varun Chakaravarthy complemented Kuldeep perfectly. While not the top wicket-taker, his tight bowling and pressure-building helped Kuldeep thrive. He finished with seven wickets at an economy rate of 6.50, forming a formidable spin duo.
10. Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed the second-most wickets of the tournament. After a tough start against India, he bounced back, delivering key new-ball spells against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that helped Pakistan reach the final. Shaheen will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
11. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Though not at his absolute best, Jasprit Bumrah produced crucial game-changing spells, taking seven wickets in five games. Paired with Shaheen Afridi, he completes a dream new-ball attack for this XI.
