Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PMO via PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India’s thrilling Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan with a striking message on X, writing: “#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.” The post quickly went viral, framing the victory as not just a cricketing milestone but also a symbolic triumph in a tense rivalry. This Asia Cup marked the first cricketing encounter between India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. The arch-rivals clashed three times in the tournament, and on each occasion, India emerged victorious.Reacting to the victory, ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated India, penning, “Congratulations to Team India on lifting the Asia Cup 2025! A proud moment for Indian cricket as Team India showcases excellence, consistency, and character on the biggest stage. Kudos to the players and support staff for a stellar campaign.” On Sunday, Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 was the cornerstone of India’s five-wicket win in Dubai, securing a record-extending ninth Asia Cup crown. Chasing 147, India endured early jolts at 20/3 and later 77/4, but the 21-year-old left-hander displayed poise well beyond his years. With three fours and four sixes, he anchored the innings, forging a crucial 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33). The final over held its share of drama. India needed 10 runs from six balls after Dube’s dismissal, but Varma swung momentum back with a towering six before Rinku Singh finished the job with a boundary, sparking joyous celebrations in a stadium dominated by Indian supporters.Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin heroics (4/30) turned the contest in India’s favour. Pakistan had raced to 84 without loss, thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s 57 and Fakhar Zaman’s 46. Yet their promising platform crumbled as they lost nine wickets for just 33 runs, eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep’s 17th-over burst, three wickets in four balls, including skipper Salman Agha, was the decisive strike. The rivalry’s political undertones loomed large. There were no handshakes at the toss or after the match, echoing tensions between the neighbours. Jasprit Bumrah even mirrored Haris Rauf’s earlier gesture to the crowd after bowling him out, adding another fiery subplot to the clash. India’s third win over Pakistan in this tournament not only reaffirmed their dominance but also served as a dress rehearsal ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. For fans, though, the moment was captured in Modi’s words and Varma’s calm finish — #OperationSindoor had played out on the cricket field, and India had triumphed again.