India and Pakistan are all set for an exciting clash in the Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, today, September 28. Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, have already beaten Salman Ali Agha’s Pakistan twice in the tournament, once in the league stage and again in the Super Fours. For the first time in Asia Cup history, India and Pakistan will meet in the final.
In their last game against Sri Lanka, India posted 202/5. Abhishek Sharma starred with 61 runs off 31 balls, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 49 off 34 and Sanju Samson contributed 39 off 23. Sri Lanka fought back strongly, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera adding 127 runs for the second wicket. Nissanka scored a brilliant 107 off 58 balls but was dismissed in the last over. Sri Lanka also finished on 202/5, leading to a tie. In the Super Over, India managed to score just enough, with Suryakumar Yadav hitting three runs off the first ball to secure a thrilling win.
Pakistan scored 135/8 in their last match against Bangladesh. Mohammad Haris top-scored with 31 off 25 balls, while no other batter crossed 30. Bangladesh struggled throughout and ended on 124/9, handing Pakistan an 11-run victory. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were the standout bowlers, taking three wickets each, with Afridi earning the Player of the Match award.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness remains a major concern, as it is his all-round ability that gives India the flexibility to strengthen their batting depth. His inclusion in the playing XI is still uncertain, hovering around 50-50. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are fully fit, and Jasprit Bumrah is set to return after being rested for the match against Sri Lanka.
India vs Pakistan Final: Controversies around the recent matches
This tournament has also seen tensions flare, sometimes in unfortunate ways. India’s decision to maintain a “no handshake” stance with Pakistan’s players added fuel to the fire. Salman Agha’s team responded with pointed gestures via Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, raising the heat.
The intensity was palpable, as seen in Abhishek Sharma’s verbal exchanges with Shaheen Afridi and Rauf. All of this has ensured that the clash has reached a level of edge and excitement not seen in recent years
India vs Pakistan Final: Pakistan’s form and challenges
Pakistan’s performance in the tournament has been inconsistent, but they appear to have found some rhythm in recent games.
Their bowling, especially the spinners, remains strong, but the batting continues to be a worry.
India vs Pakistan Final: Head-to-head records
India and Pakistan have faced each other 15 times in T20 Internationals so far. India has dominated with 11 wins, while Pakistan has won 3 matches, and 1 match ended in a tie.
Their rivalry in T20Is began on September 14, 2007, and the most recent clash was on September 21, 2025.
India vs Pakistan Final: Predicted playing XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed