Asia Cup 2025, Final: Sahibzada Farhan avoids gunshot celebration, keeps it simple after reaching half-century

Published - 28 Sept 2025, 21:20 IST | Updated - 28 Sept 2025, 21:20 IST

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan once again made his mark with the bat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, scoring his second half-century against the arch-rivals in the tournament. However, unlike the previous encounter, his celebration this time was subdued. The highly anticipated final was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28, in front of a packed crowd.

India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and elected to field first. The team made one change to their playing XI, with the injured Hardik Pandya missing out and middle-order batter Rinku Singh drafted in as his replacement. Pakistan got off to a solid start, with Farhan once again anchoring the top order.

Farhan brought up his fifty with a shot over point in the ninth over of the innings, running hard for a couple to get to the milestone. Instead of the dramatic celebration like the previous clash, where he had mimicked a gun pose, drawing widespread criticism and sparking social media controversy, the opener opted for a much calmer gesture this time, as he simply raised his bat to acknowledge the applause, while his teammates celebrated in the dressing room.

The decision to tone down his celebration seemed deliberate, following the backlash from the earlier game after his gun pose had gone viral, dividing opinion and attracting criticism for being insensitive, especially given the political tensions surrounding the tournament. In stark contrast, his understated celebration in the final avoided further controversy and shifted focus back to his batting performance.

Farhan eventually fell to Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy for 57 off 38 balls, an innings laced with five boundaries and three sixes. His knock provided Pakistan with a platform, but India remained in control with the help of a disciplined bowling effort.

India have already beaten Pakistan twice in the ongoing tournament, first in the group stage by seven wickets and again in the Super Four by six wickets. Heading into the final, the Men in Blue are eyeing their ninth Asia Cup title, further extending their dominance in the competition. Pakistan, meanwhile, are determined to turn the tide and claim their first Asia Cup crown since 2012.