Hyderabad witnessed scenes of jubilation on Sunday night as India clinched the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, sending fans into a frenzy across the city. The Tank Bund stretch along the Hussainsagar lake became the epicentre of celebrations, drawing hundreds of people waving the tricolour flag and chanting slogans. Fireworks lit up the night sky, their bright flashes reflecting on the waters of the lake.
Fans gathered at Tank Bund and near the Telangana Secretariat and were glued to their phone screens, following the match live. Tension mounted when Shivam Dube was dismissed on the last ball of the 19th over, leaving India needing 10 runs from the final over.
The celebrations began even before the match finished when Tilak Varma hit a six on the second ball, with fireworks lighting up the sky soon after. As the winning runs were scored by Rinku Singh, car horns blared and motorcycles roared through the street.
At Tank Bund, a sea of young fans draped in national flags danced to patriotic songs and music from portable speakers, evoking memories of the jubilant scenes that had followed India’s Champions Trophy victory earlier this March.
Many pubs, bars, and restaurants had live screenings of the match, and as crowds moved out afterwards, several joined the celebrations spilling onto the streets. Several gated communities had also organised their own screenings. Elsewhere in the city, residents gathered in smaller groups to join in the victory celebrations.
Hyderabad city police, anticipating large gatherings, had deployed additional personnel along the Tank Bund and People’s Plaza, to regulate traffic and prevent overcrowding.
Published – September 29, 2025 12:17 am IST
