Mumbai: In a fairy-tale twist that scripted cricket folklore, Rinku Singh emerged from the shadows to etch his name in Asia Cup history, smashing the winning boundary off his solitary delivery to propel India to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2025 final.
The triumph, sealed with two balls remaining, marked India’s record ninth title, leaving fans in raptures over the power hitter’s uncanny tryst with fate.
The Asia Cup, spanning from September 9 to this pulsating finale on September 28, saw Rinku warming the bench throughout – his first tournament appearance came as a replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya. With India needing 10 off the last over against Haris Rauf, Rinku strode in at number seven, cleared his front leg, and unleashed a flat-bat smash over mid-on for four – a strike rate of 400 that ended the match at 150/5. Tilak Varma’s gritty unbeaten 69 anchored the chase, but it was Rinku’s poise that sparked wild celebrations, with Tilak roaring in embrace.
Post-match revelations added magic: On a TV show, Rinku affirmed his belief in “God’s Plan”, revealing a pre-tournament note where he had jotted, “I will hit the winning shot.” The Aligarh lad, known for his finishing flair, shared a heartfelt video call with fiancée Priya Saroj, a photo of which she posted on Instagram, capturing the emotional high.
Rinku’s debutant heroics not only silenced doubters but also embodied resilience, turning a sidelined saga into championship lore amid India-Pakistan fireworks.