In a highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between fierce rivals India and Pakistan at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan’s opening batsman Sahibzada Farhan delivered a performance that truly let his bat do the talking.
Farhan, who had previously drawn criticism from the ICC for his fiery ‘AK-47’ gun celebration, opted for a noticeably more subdued gesture this time around. Upon reaching his impressive half-century, he simply raised his bat to acknowledge the cheering crowd and his teammates – a stark contrast to the theatrics he was once known for.
However, while his celebration might have been quiet, his batting certainly wasn’t. Farhan blazed his way to a magnificent 35-ball fifty, marking his second such score against India in this tournament. He formed a scorching 84-run opening partnership with Fakhar Zaman in a mere 9.4 overs, unleashing a calculated assault that rattled the Indian bowlers and provided Pakistan with an invaluable flying start in the high-pressure summit clash.
The breakthrough for India eventually came in the 10th over when spinner Varun Chakaravarthy managed to dismiss the dangerous opener. Having already cleared the ropes earlier in the same over, Farhan attempted another aggressive pull shot but mistimed it, sending the ball soaring into the deep where Tilak Varma took a well-judged catch. Farhan departed after scoring 57 runs from 38 deliveries, an innings highlighted by five powerful fours and three towering sixes, leaving Pakistan in a commanding position at 87/1 at the halfway stage.
Ultimately, Farhan’s spectacular knock was a powerful declaration delivered entirely through his skill with the willow. In a final where nerves could easily take over, he showcased exceptional composure, aggressive intent, and mature gameplay, laying a robust foundation for Pakistan against their strongest opponents.