As the 2025 edition nears, a look back at games where fortunes swung in the blink of an eye
The Asia Cup 2025, to be held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, is poised to rekindle the fiercest rivalries once again. India and Pakistan are grouped in Group A, with a confirmed clash on 14 September in Dubai that could be the first of up to three encounters between the neighbours. With Suryakumar Yadav leading India and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, the stage is set for another chapter in cricket's subcontinental saga.
But before the curtain rises in the UAE, it’s worth reminiscing about some of the most nerve-shredding finishes in the Asia Cup - matches where the script was torn up in the final over, leaving fans clutching at their throats.
Rohit Sharma captained India in Virat Kohli's absence in 2018, but it was anything but straightforward. Litton Das scored a brilliant 121, Bangladesh's first century knock in an Asia Cup final, but Kuldeep Yadav (3/45) pulled India back to restrict them to 222.
Credit: Times Now
India’s reply was faltering - no batter surpassed fifty, with Rohit top-scoring on 48. In the end, it was injured Kedar Jadhav's 23 not out that dragged India over the line on the very last ball, winning by three wickets.
Bangladesh, aiming for their first title at home, fell agonisingly short. PA 236/K, aided by Sarfaraz Ahmed's gritty 46*. Bangladesh's chase was led by Tamim Iqbal (60) and Shakib Al Hasan (68). They required nine runs off the final over with Mahmudullah at the crease.
Credit: ESPN
However, Aizaz Cheema kept his composure, conceding only six runs. PAK won by two runs, sparking tears in the stands and leaving Bangladesh still searching for their elusive crown.
History was made as Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international hundred, guiding India to 289/5 with support from Virat Kohli (66) and Suresh Raina (51). But Bangladesh spoiled the celebration.
Credit: News18
Tamim Iqbal (70), Jahurul Islam (53), and Nasir Hossain (54) laid the groundwork before skipper Mushfiqur Rahim hit three sixes in the closing overs. With nerves of steel, Rahim sealed a famous five-wicket victory with just four balls remaining, overshadowing Tendulkar’s milestone.
India scored 245/8 in Mirpur, with Rohit Sharma (56) and Ambati Rayudu (58) stabilising the innings. PAK in the chase, needing 10 runs from the final over with one wicket remaining.
Credit: YouTube
R Ashwin dismissed Saeed Ajmal on the first ball, leaving Shahid Afridi to produce a miracle. He did so. Two consecutive sixes, lofted into the Mirpur night, secured a one-wicket victory with two balls remaining, eliminating India and sending PAK into the final.
Mohammad Shahzad’s stunning 124, featuring seven sixes, helped Afghanistan set a competitive 252/8. India’s chase looked promising as KL Rahul (60) and Ambati Rayudu (57) shared a partnership of 110.
Credit: Quint
However, Afghanistan fought back as Rashid Khan and Aftab Alam applied pressure. With just one run needed off two balls, Ravindra Jadeja played an aerial shot and was caught out. The match ended in a tense tie, marking Afghanistan’s most significant statement in the Asia Cup yet.
