NEW DELHI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan chose restraint over drama in the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Known for his fiery “AK-47” gun celebration, which previously drew the ire of the ICC, Farhan this time opted for a muted gesture after completing his half-century. He simply raised his bat towards the crowd and teammates, a stark contrast to the theatrics that had once landed him in hot water.But if the celebration was subdued, the innings was anything but. Farhan smashed a 35-ball fifty, his second of the tournament against India, stitching together a blistering 84-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman in just 9.4 overs. His calculated aggression unsettled the Indian bowlers early in the innings and gave Pakistan a flying start in the high-pressure summit clash.The breakthrough came in the 10th over when spinner Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Farhan for 57 off 38 balls. Attempting a pull shot after already clearing the ropes earlier in the over, Farhan mistimed his stroke and was caught in the deep by Tilak Varma. His innings included five fours and three sixes, leaving Pakistan in a commanding position at 87/1 at the halfway stage.Farhan’s knock, played without the controversial celebration, was still a statement — not with gestures but with the willow. In a final where nerves often dictate play, the opener showed composure, aggression, and maturity, ensuring Pakistan made a strong start against their fiercest rivals.
