NEW DELHI– The Asia Cup has long been cricket’s ultimate continental showdown — a stage where last-ball finishes, stunning upsets and heavyweight clashes have defined its legacy. As the countdown begins for the eight-team 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9-28, to be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network, here’s a look back at ten unforgettable matches that shaped the tournament’s history.
India vs Bangladesh – 2018 Final (Dubai)
Litton Das’s brilliant century gave Bangladesh a fighting total of 222, but India held its nerve in a tense chase. Kedar Jadhav, batting with a hamstring injury, guided India home by three wickets on the very last ball, sealing a classic finish.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 2014 (Mirpur)
Bangladesh’s 326, built on Anamul Haque’s century, looked enough until Shahid Afridi unleashed a blistering 59 off 25 balls. Pakistan scraped through with three wickets in hand in one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Asia Cup history.
India vs Pakistan – 2014 (Mirpur)
Chasing 246, Pakistan needed two sixes off the last two balls. Afridi delivered both, smashing Ravichandran Ashwin into the stands to snatch a one-wicket win that instantly entered cricketing folklore.
India vs Sri Lanka – 1997 Final (Colombo)
India posted 239/7, led by Mohammad Azharuddin’s 81. But Marvan Atapattu’s 84 and Sanath Jayasuriya’s 63 powered Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory with 13 overs to spare, underlining their dominance on home soil.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh – 2012 Final (Dhaka)
Pakistan set 236 and Bangladesh came within touching distance of their first Asia Cup title, only to fall heartbreakingly short by two runs. The thrilling finale remains one of the closest finishes in the tournament’s history.
India vs Sri Lanka – 2016 (Mirpur)
Virat Kohli’s third straight fifty against Sri Lanka and India’s disciplined bowling set the tone in this final, where India chased down 139 comfortably to lift the trophy in commanding style.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – 2014 (Mirpur)
Lahiru Thirimanne’s century and Lasith Malinga’s five-wicket haul carried Sri Lanka to a hard-fought 12-run win over Pakistan in a gripping group-stage encounter.
India vs Pakistan – 2012 (Mirpur)
Virat Kohli produced one of his finest innings, hammering 183 in a record chase of 330 after centuries from Pakistan’s Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez. Rohit Sharma’s 68 ensured India crossed the line with ease.
Sri Lanka vs India – 2022 (Dubai)
Sri Lanka stunned India with a six-wicket victory. Dilshan Madushanka’s fiery 3-24 put India under pressure before Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and a late flourish from Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka sealed a statement win.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 2016 (Dhaka)
Pakistan managed just 129/7 before Soumya Sarkar’s 48 and Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 22 off 15 balls steered Bangladesh to a five-wicket win in 19.1 overs, keeping their campaign alive and sending them into the final.
With the 2025 edition set to add new chapters, these contests remain shining examples of the drama, resilience and rivalry that make the Asia Cup one of cricket’s most fiercely contested tournaments. (Source: IANS)
