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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 62455, member: 636"] India batter Tilak Verma described the mental challenge of steering his team through the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan after returning to Hyderabad on Monday. The 22-year-old left-hander told reporters on Tuesday that he battled intense nerves while remembering his responsibility to 140 million people. Telangana Sports Authority officials felicitated him at Shamshabad Airport following his match-winning knock. Verma struck an unbeaten 69 to guide India to a five-wicket triumph after early batting collapses eliminated Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. The victory secured India's ninth Asia Cup title. He emphasized that partnerships with Shivam Dube proved vital on a difficult batting surface. Verma acknowledged Pakistan's attempts to distract him during the chase, but said winning provided the best response. He attributed his success to coaches Salam and Prithvi, along with his parents. [/QUOTE]