The stage is set at the Dubai International Stadium for one of cricket’s most iconic rivalries as India and Pakistan clash in Match 6 of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 14. Despite the high stakes, this encounter comes with muted excitement, influenced by political tensions and calls for boycotts, yet fans cannot ignore the historic rivalry that always promises fireworks on the field.
India vs Pakistan T20I Head-to-Head Record
Historically, India has enjoyed the upper hand in T20 clashes with Pakistan. Out of 13 T20Is, India has triumphed 10 times, while Pakistan has managed only 3 victories. Their most recent meeting was during the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India edged past Pakistan by six runs in a low-scoring thriller.
Recent encounters show India’s dominance, winning 3 of the last 5 T20Is, although Pakistan delivered a memorable 10-wicket victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. With this new-look Pakistan squad, led by Salman Ali Agha, and India maintaining their strong lineup, fans can expect a thrilling contest despite the muted hype.
Probable Playing XIs
India
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Salman Agha (c)
- Hasan Nawaz
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Abrar Ahmed
India’s spin-heavy strategy with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy is expected to dominate on Dubai’s slow pitch, while Bumrah provides the pace backup. Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on key bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, while giving young batters such as Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz a chance to shine.
Pitch Report and Conditions
Dubai usually offers slow conditions, favoring spinners in the middle overs. Fast bowlers may get early assistance, but batting generally becomes easier as the innings progresses. The weather is expected to be hot and humid with clear skies, while winds around 30-33 km/h could make bowling slightly challenging.
Interestingly, the team chasing has historically held an advantage, winning 7 of the 8 T20Is between India and Pakistan since 2014 in UAE conditions.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Afridi
Gill has been in fine touch in the Asia Cup opener against UAE. Facing Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Afridi will be a crucial test, particularly under Dubai lights where the conditions favor bowlers early on.
2. India’s Spin Trio vs Pakistan Middle Order
Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy could exploit Pakistan’s inexperience against quality spin. Young batters like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz will need to read these deliveries carefully.
3. Hardik Pandya All-Round Impact
Pandya has historically excelled against Pakistan, with 13 wickets and 91 runs in previous T20Is. He will be central to India’s plan, providing balance with both bat and ball.
4. Bumrah vs Fakhar Zaman
India’s left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh missed the first match, leaving Jasprit Bumrah as the lone specialist pacer. His duel with Fakhar Zaman, who has been prolific in UAE conditions, could set the tone for Pakistan’s innings.
Recent Form
- India: WWWLW (last 5 T20Is)
- Pakistan: WWWLW (last 5 T20Is)
India enters the match as heavy favorites after a nine-wicket demolition of UAE, while Pakistan comfortably defeated Oman by 93 runs.
Match Prediction
According to Google’s win predictor, India holds a 74% chance of winning, while Pakistan stands at 26%. India’s depth in batting, spin arsenal, and recent dominance make them clear favorites, but Pakistan’s knowledge of UAE conditions and the threat of key bowlers like Shaheen Afridi means an upset is never impossible.
The Big Picture: Muted Hype but High Stakes
Unlike past encounters, this fixture has been impacted by border tensions and political realities, resulting in fewer fans and muted fanfare. Yet, when India and Pakistan take the field, cricket enthusiasts around the world cannot look away. The new generation of players – Abhishek Sharma, Saim Ayub, Shubman Gill, Salman Agha – now takes center stage, carrying the legacy of this rivalry into a new era.
How to Watch
- TV: Sony Sports Network
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV
- Time: 8:00 PM IST, September 14, 2025
Final Thoughts
Despite the lack of traditional hype, IND vs PAK remains a must-watch. Spin battles, high-pressure encounters, and the emergence of new stars will define this Asia Cup clash. Fans can expect intense moments, clever strategies, and, as always, a cricketing showdown that stops the world, even if the crowd is smaller than usual.
