India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. The win was not just a showcase of skill and determination but also featured a moment of sweet revenge that quickly went viral online.
### A Viral Celebration Moment
As emotions soared following the nail-biting finish, Indian cricketers Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana caught the spotlight—not for their on-field performance, but for mockingly recreating Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed’s signature celebration. After India secured the win, a video emerged showing the trio mimicking Abrar’s trademark move, this time directing it at their teammate Sanju Samson in a playful jab at the Pakistani spinner’s earlier antics. The clip rapidly gained popularity on social media.
### Abrar Ahmed’s Signature Celebration
Abrar Ahmed is known for his unique celebration, where he tilts his head toward the dugout after taking a wicket. He showcased this signature move when he dismissed Sanju Samson for 24 runs in the 13th over. At that moment, India were struggling at 62/4 during a tricky chase of 147 runs. Many viewed his celebration as premature given the precarious position of the Indian batting lineup.
### India Turn Tables After a Shaky Start
The target of 147 runs seemed achievable for India, especially with the openers’ impressive form in the previous match. However, the pressure of the final appeared to affect India’s opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. Both openers faltered early, with Sharma scoring 5, Gill 12, and captain Suryakumar Yadav 1—all falling within the powerplay overs.
At 20/3, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma steadied the innings, but Samson’s dismissal left India at 62/4, casting doubt on the chase. Despite the shaky start, Tilak Varma anchored the innings with a composed and unbeaten 69 runs off 53 balls. He sealed the victory with a six off Haris Rauf in the final over.
Shivam Dube also played a vital role, contributing 33 runs off 22 balls. His crucial 60-run partnership with Varma significantly steadied the innings. Rinku Singh then wrapped up the game with a boundary, securing the win with just two balls to spare.
India’s triumph in the Asia Cup final was a testament to their resilience under pressure, combined with moments of humor and camaraderie that made the victory even sweeter.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asia-cup-2025-final-arshdeep-singh-jitesh-sharma-harshit-rana-mock-pakistan-spinner-abrar-ahmed-aim-gesture-at-sanju-samson-video
