IND vs PAK Controversy Highlights, Asia Cup 2025 Winners: Suryakumar Yadav on PM Modi’s support, ‘it felt like he took the strike and…’

India versus Pakistan—never before has the Asia Cup seen these rivals clash in the final. Forty-one years in the making, tonight’s game will either reinforce India’s dominance or remind the world that a peaking Pakistan, thriving in chaos, can be just as dangerous.

India and Pakistan have never faced each other in an Asia Cup final before. Despite India defeating Pakistan twice in this edition, all that matters now is tonight’s high-stakes showdown.

With the Asia Cup 2025 final marking the 26th match at the Dubai International Stadium this year, the pitches have seen significant wear, bringing the average first-innings score down to 154—the lowest since 2022. Despite this, Dubai continues to favor teams chasing, with 58% of matches won by sides batting second.

The wear has also slightly tilted the advantage toward spinners. They average 24 with the ball, while seamers are around 25, but it is the economy rate that makes the difference—spinners concede 1.3 fewer runs per over, giving them the edge in controlling the middle overs.

Fast Bowlers: Average – 24.72 | Economy Rate – 8.39

Spin Bowlers: Average – 24.01 | Economy Rate – 7.07

Spinners have been slightly more economical this tournament, while pacers have delivered crucial breakthroughs at key moments. Teams often rely on spin in the middle overs to control the scoring rate.

Average 1st Innings Score:

2022: 164.64

2023: 154.33

2024: 158.32

2025: 153.92

The Dubai pitch has generally favored disciplined batting, with first-innings totals ranging between 154-165 over the last four years. Teams batting first have had a slight edge, but matches often remain competitive due to dew in evening games.

Kuldeep Yadav (IND): 6 matches, 13 wickets, best 4/7, strike rate 9.77

Junaid Siddique (BAN): 3 matches, 9 wickets, best 4/18, strike rate 6.00

Shaheen Afridi (PAK): 6 matches, 9 wickets, best 3/17, strike rate 13.89

Mustafizur Rahman (BAN): 6 matches, 9 wickets, best 3/20, strike rate 15.33

Haris Rauf (PAK): 4 matches, 9 wickets, best 3/33, strike rate 9.78

Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 6 matches, 8 wickets, best 2/22, strike rate 18.00

Saim Ayub (PAK): 6 matches, 8 wickets, best 3/35, strike rate 12.75

Rishad Hossain (BAN): 5 matches, 8 wickets, best 2/18, strike rate 12.00

Taskin Ahmed (BAN): 4 matches, 8 wickets, best 3/28, strike rate 12.00

Dushmantha Chameera (SL): 6 matches, 7 wickets, best 2/29, strike rate 20.57

In the last five T20I encounters, India have dominated Pakistan, winning four times compared to Pakistan’s solitary victory. Since 2022, India have maintained the upper hand, and a win in the Asia Cup 2025 final would extend their dominance to 5-0 over their arch-rivals.

Saim Ayub has had a tough tournament with the bat, scoring just 23 runs in six innings at an average of 3.83, including four ducks. However, he has contributed significantly with the ball, picking up eight wickets at an average of 14 and an economy of 6.6, providing crucial breakthroughs for Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Haris Rauf has been Pakistan’s most impactful bowler in the Asia Cup 2025, claiming nine wickets at an impressive average of 12.77. Known for his express pace, Rauf strikes once every 9.7 balls, consistently troubling batters and providing crucial breakthroughs for the Men in Green.

Shaheen Afridi has been Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming nine wickets at an average of 16 while maintaining an economy of 6.9 runs per over. Beyond his bowling, Afridi has contributed with the bat as well, scoring 83 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 188.6, making him a genuine all-round threat in the Asia Cup 2025.

Kuldeep Yadav has been the standout bowler for India in Asia Cup 2025, claiming 13 wickets in six matches at an exceptional average of 9.84 and an economy rate of just 6.0 runs per over. Averaging over two wickets per game, he strikes every 9.7 balls, making him a constant threat in the middle overs. Against Pakistan, Kuldeep has historically thrived, picking up 19 wickets in eight T20I innings at an average of 13.63. His variations and control will be crucial as India aims to restrict Pakistan in the high-stakes final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Tilak Varma has quietly made his presence felt in Asia Cup 2025, scoring 144 runs in five innings at an average of 48. Known for his impactful cameos at the back end, he has maintained a strike rate of 132, providing India with crucial momentum in the middle and death overs. As India prepares to face Pakistan in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Tilak’s ability to accelerate the innings could play a decisive role in supporting top-order stars like Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.

Abhishek Sharma has been the runaway batter of Asia Cup 2025, amassing 309 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 51.50. With a strike rate of 204.63, he has scored three half-centuries in the tournament, consistently giving India strong starts at the top of the order. His explosive form will be crucial as India takes on Pakistan in the high-stakes final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight. Fans will be keeping a close eye on whether he can continue his dominance against India’s arch-rivals.

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final, Abhishek Sharma leads the run charts with a staggering 309 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 204.64, including 19 sixes. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka follows with 261 runs, while Pakistan’s Saif Hassan has scored 178 in four innings. Other notable performers include Sahibzada Farhan (160), Kusal Perera (146), and India’s N. Tilak Varma (144). These top run-getters will be key players to watch in the final, as India and Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight.

Pakistan secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh, setting up a third India-Pakistan clash in the tournament. Their batters have struggled throughout, relying heavily on their bowlers to keep them in contention. Facing India’s dominant batting lineup, Pakistan will need their entire batting unit to fire if they hope to challenge the Men in Blue and script a historic win tonight.

India enter the Asia Cup 2025 final with a perfect record, cruising through all matches so far. Their thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka showcased their resilience under pressure. Abhishek Sharma has been the standout performer with 309 runs in six innings, while other batters aim to step up. India’s bowling attack has remained disciplined and effective, giving them confidence against Pakistan tonight.

The toss for the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final will take place at 7:30 PM IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fans can expect the winning captain’s decision to play a crucial role, especially with dew likely to influence the match later.

India enter the Asia Cup 2025 final as clear favourites, remaining unbeaten so far. Abhishek Sharma leads the run charts, while Kuldeep Yadav tops the wicket-takers’ list. Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, the Men in Blue look strong in all departments and are eyeing a record ninth Asia Cup title.

Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, have shown resilience, winning key matches through collective efforts despite losing twice to India. Their bowlers remain a potent threat, but the batting unit must fire to challenge India’s dominance.

Prediction: India hold the upper hand and are likely to lift the trophy, though Pakistan will hope to script an upset if their bowling attack clicks at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, Abhishek Sharma’s father, Raj Kumar Sharma, expressed pride in his son and confidence in India’s chances. “Whoever plays better will win. We pray that India wins and everyone performs well. Abhishek will put his best foot forward. It is a matter of pride for us that our son is playing for the country,” he said.

Abhishek has been in sensational form, scoring three consecutive fifties in the tournament, including 61 off 31 balls against Sri Lanka. Kuldeep Yadav, the top wicket-taker with 13 scalps, is also expected to make an impact. Experts and family members alike are confident the Men in Blue can clinch their ninth Asia Cup title.

As India gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, former cricketer Sarandeep Singh praised the Men in Blue, highlighting both their batting and bowling. “The way the Indian team is playing is phenomenal cricket, especially the batters we talked about–the new youngsters,” he said, singling out Abhishek Sharma as a standout performer. Sarandeep also lauded Bumrah and Hardik Pandya’s contributions, adding, “Things will be easier for India to win the game.” India enters unbeaten, while Pakistan, underdogs after tough Super Fours matches, hope to pull off an upset. Abhishek and Hardik are fit.

As the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan approaches, young fans are showing full support for Team India. Saad, with the tricolour painted on his cheeks, said, “Suryakumar Yadav will perform the best in the final for India and from Pakistan, I think Saim Ayub will do well,” adding, “Yes, India will win easily.” Fatima backed Abhishek Sharma, saying, “Abhishek would make the most runs… Pakistan would not be able to beat us… We will bring the cup home.” India enters unbeaten, while Pakistan, underdogs after tough Super Fours matches, hopes for an upset. Abhishek and Hardik are fit for the final.

Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Sunday’s forecast predicts a high of 40°C, dropping to 31°C in the evening. Dew has had minimal impact throughout the tournament, making the toss potentially crucial in shaping each team’s strategy for the Asia Cup 2025 final.

India’s top seven batters have been hitting a boundary once every five balls, showcasing their aggressive intent and consistency in scoring. In contrast, Pakistan’s top order has managed a boundary once every eight balls, indicating slightly slower scoring but steady accumulation. These numbers could be key in determining the outcome of the Asia Cup 2025 final.

India and Pakistan have faced off in 12 finals across formats, with Pakistan leading 8-4. The last final meeting between the two sides came in the Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan secured a commanding 180-run win over India. This history adds extra spice to the Asia Cup 2025 final showdown.

Did you know? Since 2024, India have won 34 out of 37 T20I matches, including three victories in Super Overs. This impressive record underlines their consistent performance and strong squad depth, making them formidable opponents in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.

If Hardik Pandya is not fully fit, India may face a challenge in replacing his all-round impact. Opting to play Arshdeep Singh, hero of India’s Super Over win against Sri Lanka, makes tactical sense but could compromise batting depth. India might adjust by fielding only one legspinner, though the decision is uncertain after the spin twins played a key role in tying the Sri Lanka game. The big question remains: can Abhishek Sharma, who has scored 35% of India’s runs in the tournament, maintain his aggressive strike if the batting depth thins? Pakistan could exploit this scenario.

Two pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium are ready for the Asia Cup 2025 final. One surface has been used in the previous two India vs Pakistan matches, while the other is fresh and could favor high-scoring games, similar to India’s dominant performance against Sri Lanka. Historically, the toss has not played a decisive role in Dubai, with wins evenly split 5-5 between teams batting first and chasing across 10 matches, including Friday’s tied encounter. The average first-innings total at the venue stands at 148, indicating a competitive contest ahead.

India’s top performers Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma experienced cramps during the match against Sri Lanka, spending significant time off the field. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are expected to be fit for the Asia Cup 2025 final, while Hardik Pandya’s availability remains uncertain, with a final decision expected closer to the match.