The stage is set for an India-Pakistan final a script familiar in its broad strokes yet unique in its details. While this is the first time in 41 years and 17 editions of the Asia Cup that the two rivals meet in the title clash, the pre-match story feels very familiar.
Pakistan has often appeared this way against India: slightly sluggish, their natural flair sometimes overshadowed by the heavy pressure of the match. India, in contrast, has carried an air of steady control and confidence that can border on cockiness. Yet, any student of cricket history will warn against writing Pakistan off. This is a team that has famously changed the script in finals, their stunning 2017 Champions Trophy victory over India serving as a powerful reminder.
But this is not 2017. This is 2025, the Asia Cup, and the familiar setting of Dubai. While past events are certain, the match will be won not by history but by the skill, focus and decisions made on the field. Yet, the shadow of the past remains large highlighting the significant gap that currently exists between the two sides.
That gulf has been clear in their two meetings this tournament. India has looked a level apart, their power broken only briefly by Sahibzada Farhan’s resistance. The gap is so pronounced that India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, recently stated that the India-Pakistan struggle is no longer relevant in Twenty20 internationals. Even with such a large gap a statement like this gains true weight only with a trophy in hand. A loss could make it a saying remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The Spotlight Intensifies:
The good news is that the final has captured the public’s imagination like never before. From movie theatres in India screening the match live to stadiums in Pakistan hosting public viewings, the excitement is apparent. For a tournament that began with a visible chill the captains not even sharing a stage at a press conference, the tournament has resulted in exactly what fans crave: a high-stakes India-Pakistan clash the third in as many Sundays.
The unfortunate side, however, is that the story has been dominated by off-field disagreements talk of absent handshakes, on-field gestures and official complaints rather than the cricket itself. The focus should be on the compelling contests within the contest: Abhishek Sharma’s powerful swing against Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spells, Varun Chakaravarthy’s unique spin against Fakhar Zaman’s experience. The hope is that when the first ball is bowled, the sport itself will finally reclaim its rightful place at the center stage.
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Match Details
When: 28 September, 6:30 PM Local Time
Where: Dubai International Stadium
What to Expect:
The editors have prepared two pitches. One is the used surface from the previous India-Pakistan games, while the other is fresh potentially leading to a higher-scoring game similar to India’s game with Sri Lanka. The toss has not been a major factor, with a 5-5 split between batting and chasing teams this tournament. The average first-innings score is 148.
Team News and Strategies
India
Injury Watch:
The main concern is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was injured up in the last match along with Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma. While the latter two are expected to be fit, Pandya’s availability will be a last-minute call.
Tactical Corner:
When Pandya is not available, India faces a balancing act. Bringing in the Super Over hero Arshdeep Singh would strengthen the bowling but weaken the batting depth. This could put more pressure on the in-form Abhishek Sharma, who has scored a remarkable 35% of India’s runs in the tournament. The performance of the spin pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy, who were essential in saving the game against Sri Lanka makes their selection likely.
Probable XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya/Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Pakistan
Injury Watch:
No injury concerns for the Men in Green.
Tactical Corner:
Having found a balanced combination in their last game, Pakistan are expected to field an unchanged XI. Their bowling attack will be focused on early breakthroughs to prevent a repeat of Abhishek and Gill’s century stand. One key battle to watch will be Haris Rauf against Suryakumar Yadav; the Pakistani pacer has dismissed the Indian captain in all three of their previous T20I meetings.
Probable XI:
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
By the Numbers
India has been in excellent T20I form since 2024, winning 34 of their 37 matches to date.
In finals across all formats, Pakistan holds an 8-4 advantage over India.
India’s batting has been more explosive, with their top seven hitting a boundary every five balls, compared to Pakistan’s rate of one every eight balls.
Captains’ Corner
There is always a lot of pressure on Pakistan and India when they play each other. When we say that there is no pressure, then the statement is wrong, said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, noting the weight of the occasion.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, highlighted a key duel: Shaheen is obviously an aggressive bowler who will try to knock you over. And Abhishek is not going to hold back. We, as cricket supporters and fans, are on the edge of our seats. Let’s look forward to that, enjoy the battle.
