The wait is over. After two weeks of intensity, twists, and unforgettable battles, the Asia Cup 2025 Final is here — and it is the clash everyone wanted. On Sunday night, under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India and Pakistan will lock horns in what promises to be another unforgettable chapter of cricket’s fiercest rivalry.
This will be the third meeting between the arch-rivals in this edition. India have won both the previous games — once convincingly in the group stage, and again in the Super Four with a tighter finish. But as history has shown, a final is a different beast altogether.
Big Picture
For India, this is about finishing the job. Unbeaten in the tournament so far, Suryakumar Yadav’s side has looked like a well-oiled machine, with both bat and ball firing. Abhishek Sharma has emerged as the breakout star, while Kuldeep Yadav continues to torment batters with his wizardry. India have barely looked rattled, barring a nail-biting tie against Sri Lanka that went to a Super Over.
For Pakistan, this is about redemption. Their campaign has been patchy — wins mixed with batting collapses, bowlers misfiring at crucial times, and a lack of consistency. Yet, here they are, in the final, proving once again that you cannot rule Pakistan out of any tournament. Their only two defeats in this campaign? Both against India. Their challenge on Sunday? To script the perfect revenge when the stakes are highest.
Form Guide
- India: W W W W W (last five completed T20Is)
- Pakistan: W L W L W
Head-to-Head (T20Is)
Matches: 15
- India wins: 11
- Pakistan wins: 3
- Tied: 1
Recent meetings in Asia Cup 2025:
- Group Stage: India won by 7 wickets
- Super Four: India won by 11 runs
Spotlight Players
Abhishek Sharma (India):
The left-hander has been India’s batting revelation. With over 300 runs this Asia Cup, including back-to-back fifties, he has given his side explosive starts. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Shaheen Afridi, have yet to find a way past him.
Kuldeep Yadav (India):
With 11 wickets, Kuldeep is the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His variations have undone Pakistan’s middle order twice already. If dew doesn’t interfere, he will be India’s trump card once again.
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan):
So far, Afridi has looked a shadow of himself against India, going wicketless in both games. But finals are made for big players, and if Pakistan are to win, they need Shaheen at his destructive best in the powerplay.
Haris Rauf (Pakistan):
Pakistan’s strike bowler has delivered at crucial moments, but India have handled him smartly. His role in the death overs will be vital in keeping India under control.
Team News
India
Fitness is the only question. Hardik Pandya is recovering from a hamstring niggle but is expected to play. Abhishek Sharma has overcome cramps. India are likely to stick with their winning XI.
Probable XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
Pakistan
The batting continues to worry. Fakhar Zaman’s form is patchy, and captain Salman Agha may shuffle the order again. The bowling unit remains Pakistan’s strength, with Shaheen and Rauf spearheading.
Probable XI:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Key Battles
- Shaheen Afridi vs Abhishek Sharma: Pakistan’s most dangerous bowler against India’s most in-form batter. If Shaheen doesn’t strike early, India could run away with the game.
- Kuldeep Yadav vs Pakistan’s middle order: Pakistan have consistently struggled against spin, and Kuldeep has been the main tormentor. Another match-up that could decide the trophy.
- Hardik Pandya vs Fakhar Zaman: Fakhar has been vulnerable against Hardik’s variations, and this duel could be crucial in breaking Pakistan’s momentum.
Pitch and Conditions
Dubai has produced slow, gripping wickets this tournament, with spinners thriving. Scores in the range of 150–160 have been par, though chasing teams have found some success. Weather is expected to remain clear, with no interruptions.
Records & Milestones
- Abhishek Sharma needs 2 sixes to complete 50 in T20Is.
- Suryakumar Yadav is 2 sixes short of 150 in T20Is.
- Hardik Pandya (96) requires 4 wickets for 100 career T20I wickets.
- Shaheen Afridi is 2 wickets away from becoming Pakistan’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
- Sanju Samson is 83 runs short of 1000 T20I runs.
What They Said
Morne Morkel (India’s bowling coach): “Winning it ugly is still winning. We’ve found ways to get through tough situations, and that’s what makes a champion team.”
Salman Agha (Pakistan captain): “If our top three play longer, we can control the game. In a final, it’s all about big moments, and we believe we can seize them.”
Verdict
India look unstoppable — unbeaten, in form, and balanced. Pakistan look unpredictable — inconsistent, but dangerous when it matters most. On paper, India are clear favourites. But if Shaheen and Rauf can finally click, and if Pakistan’s batting can hold together, we might have a thriller on our hands.
One thing is guaranteed: Dubai will witness drama, adrenaline, and a night that adds another unforgettable page to the India–Pakistan rivalry.
