The stage is set for the Asia Cup 2025 final, and for the first time in the tournament’s history, it will be Pakistan vs India in the title clash. Riding on the back of a gritty 11-run win over Bangladesh, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has sounded confident — vowing that his side will raise their game against the arch-rivals on Sunday.
Pakistan defended a modest 135 in a pressure-packed Super Four contest, thanks to fiery spells from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris steadied the innings with a fighting 31. The win not only sealed Pakistan’s spot in the final but also boosted the team’s belief heading into the blockbuster showdown.
At the post-match presentation, Agha acknowledged that Pakistan weren’t flawless but insisted that his team was “finding ways to win” and would only get sharper for the grand finale.
“If you can win these kinds of games, you must be a special team. Everyone chipped in. The way Shaheen and Haris bowled up front was special. We are finding ways to win. There are areas to improve but we will be better in the final,” Agha said.
The skipper also heaped praise on Mohammad Haris, who came in with the scoreboard reading 33/4 and absorbed the pressure with maturity.
“He is a special player. He never complained about his batting position. Whatever the team needed, he did it. He’s contributing every single game and I’m very happy,” Agha remarked.
While Pakistan successfully defended the total, Agha admitted they fell short with the bat.
“We were 10-15 runs short, no way I’m denying that. But if we bowl like we did up front, we’ll always create pressure,” he explained.
Pakistan’s fielding, often criticized in the past, stood out once again — with sharp catches and agile ground work. Agha credited the coaching staff, particularly fielding coach Shane McDermott, for instilling higher standards.
“Since Shane came in, we’ve been working really hard. Our coach made it clear: whoever cannot field, cannot be in the team. Everyone has bought into that, and I’m happy with the results,” he said.
Now, all roads lead to Dubai on Sunday, where Pakistan and India will meet in a historic Asia Cup final. India, unbeaten in the tournament so far, go into the game with momentum, but Agha believes his men have what it takes to deliver on the big stage.
“We know what we need to do. We’re good enough to beat anyone. Very excited for the final — and we’ll come on Sunday with full intent to beat them,” the Pakistan skipper declared.
For the first time in 41 years of the Asia Cup, the two giants of world cricket will square off in the final — a match that promises passion, pressure, and fireworks in equal measure.
