Dubai, Sep 29: India once again rose to the occasion on the big stage, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in a tense final to claim their ninth Asia Cup crown. The Men in Blue held their nerve with both bat and ball, showcasing composure under pressure to outclass their opponents in Dubai.
Speaking after the match, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel was full of praise for the team’s all-round effort and reserved special mention for Shivam Dube, who stepped up in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
“I thought the guys assessed the conditions and the ball really well,” Morkel said.
“It was a great opportunity for Shivam to take that first over and shoulder responsibility. He set the tone beautifully with the ball, and then what a way to finish it with the bat.”
The South African great was particularly impressed with India’s spinners, who choked Pakistan’s scoring in the middle overs. Morkel credited the team’s tactical discussions for Dube’s dual role in the tournament — opening the attack and later contributing crucial runs in the chase. “We had spoken about the possibility of using Shivam with the new ball. With Hardik injured, he had to step up, and he did that superbly,” he explained.
Reflecting on India’s preparations, Morkel highlighted the challenges of the gruelling schedule and the sweltering Dubai heat. “The sessions were very focused. The guys knew how to manage themselves, especially with so many back-to-back matches. Recovery was key, and we handled that aspect really well,” he said.
Morkel also underlined the importance of calmness in the high-pressure final. “We knew a lot was on the line. It was about putting nerves aside and relying on experience. That partnership between Shivam and Tilak was crucial in taking the game deep and sealing the result,” he added.
With this win, India consolidated their dominance in continental cricket, further extending their tally as the most successful team in Asia Cup history. (Agencies)
