Sahibzada Farhan has quietly but firmly established himself as a thorn in India’s side, proving once again why he is emerging as Pakistan’s go-to opener in high-pressure games. After troubling India with a well-compiled half-century in the Super Four stage, Farhan repeated his heroics in the Asia Cup 2025 final, giving Pakistan the kind of start they desperately needed on the big night.
Put into bat first, Pakistan required a solid foundation, and Farhan embraced the responsibility. The right-hander initially took his time before shifting gears, targeting the Indian attack with controlled aggression. His sparkling innings of 57 runs from just 38 deliveries featured four boundaries and three towering sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 150.
Farhan looked set for an even bigger score, one that could have put India under serious pressure. But just when he seemed in complete command, Varun Chakaravarthy struck at a crucial juncture.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir Trolled After Arshdeep Singh Snub In Asia Cup 2025 Final
The dismissal came in the 10th over with the partnership already at 84 runs. Varun delivered a clever back-of-a-length googly on middle and leg, which turned sharply into Farhan. Attempting a pull shot, Farhan mistimed it and found Tilak Varma at deep mid-wicket. The opener’s reaction told the story — visibly frustrated, he banged his bat, knowing he had let slip an opportunity to anchor Pakistan deep into the innings.
Wicket for varun chakroborty…. Sahibzada Farhan out #indvspak2025 #AsiaCupFinal pic.twitter.com/79YsNFDzS0
— ༺𝕊𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕒𝕤𝕞𝕊𝕦𝕥𝕣𝕒༻ (@Tintsshade25017) September 28, 2025
Despite his dismissal, Farhan’s effort gave Pakistan the perfect platform to push for a total beyond 180. The challenge now is whether the middle order can capitalize and finally flip the script after two previous losses to India in this tournament.
ALSO READ: ACC Introduces Different Toss Interviews For India and Pakistan in Asia Cup Final
In the group stage, India humiliated Pakistan by bundling them out cheaply and chasing with ease. In the Super Four clash, Pakistan fought harder, yet still fell short. With Salman Ali Agha leading the side, Pakistan will be hoping it’s third-time lucky — and on the stage that matters most.
As the Men in Green aim for their third Asia Cup crown, they know they must stop India from lifting a record ninth title. Farhan’s fiery start may just be the spark Pakistan needed in their quest for redemption.
