Asia Cup 2025 Finale: India and Pakistan Clash for the Ultimate Glory

In this unique edition of the Asia Cup, several unprecedented events have unfolded. Players and captains from India and Pakistan have refused handshakes, and match referee Andy Pycroft found himself caught between these fierce rivals. Political messaging on the field has shifted focus away from the sport itself.

For the first time in the competition’s 41-year history, India and Pakistan will face off in the final, taking place in Dubai this Sunday. India has remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, while Pakistan has suffered two losses, both to India, yet both teams acknowledge they have room for improvement.

Having secured their final berth, India narrowly edged Sri Lanka in a Super Over, despite posting the highest total of 202 in the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, managed to secure their spot in the final despite encountering significant batting collapses against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Abhishek Sharma’s exceptional form, marked by three consecutive fifties, has often given India the upper hand. His aggressive batting style and remarkable strike rate of 204.63, with an average of 51.50, set him apart from others, including his opening partner, Shubman Gill. India hopes this form continues into the final.

Middle-order struggles

India’s middle-order challenges have been partly due to constant reshuffling. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube were each pushed to No. 3 temporarily, with Samson later moving to No. 8 against Bangladesh. A more stable order against Sri Lanka with Tilak Varma and Samson at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, resulted in a promising 66-run partnership over 42 balls.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has struggled for runs, managing only 71 in five innings, with an unbeaten 47 being the highlight. With a crucial T20 World Cup looming at home, Suryakumar needs a strong performance against Pakistan to secure his position as both captain and player.

Pakistan’s batting challenges

Pakistan’s batting struggles have been significant, with their middle-order averaging just 18.85 in the tournament. Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha have particularly suffered poor form. However, all-rounders Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz came through against Sri Lanka, while Nawaz and Mohammad Haris lifted Pakistan to victory from 49 for five against Bangladesh.

Shaheen Afridi has emerged as a lower-order savior, boasting a strike rate of 188.63. His promotion to No. 7 against Bangladesh offered crucial runs in the latter innings.

As batting becomes more challenging post the 10-over mark, Pakistan’s handling of India’s world-class spin trio will play a decisive role. In their last encounter, India restricted Pakistan to just 80 runs in the final 10 overs despite a strong start.

Key match-ups

A captivating subplot will unfold between Abhishek and Gill versus Afridi and Haris Rauf, following their heated exchanges in their previous match. Afridi and Rauf’s formidable new-ball attack dismantled Bangladesh and will test India’s top-order once more.

Sahibzada Farhan became the first Pakistani to hit a six off Jasprit Bumrah, who later found form in the match against Bangladesh with impressive figures of four for 18.

Team composition

Bumrah and Dube are set to return to India’s playing XI after resting against Sri Lanka. However, Hardik Pandya’s participation is uncertain due to cramps. If unavailable, Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana may replace him as the second seamer.

Pakistan is expected to continue with Shaheen and Rauf as their specialist pacers, with Faheem Ashraf and Talat supporting the pace attack.

Final focus

India leads the T20I head-to-head against Pakistan 12-3, a dominance that Suryakumar views as a sign that this matchup might no longer be a rivalry. Yet, as Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson aptly remarked, “The only match that really matters is the one at the end.”

Published on September 27, 2025