The 2025 Asia Cup (also known for sponsorship reasons as the DP World Asia Cup) is the 17th edition of Asia’s premier multi-nation cricket championship. Held in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September, this edition is played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format.
Traditionally, the Asia Cup has rotated between ODI and T20 formats depending on the upcoming major global tournaments; with the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, ACC opted for a T20 format.
Participants & Qualification
Eight teams compete:
- Five Test-playing Asian nations qualified automatically: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan
- Three others came through the 2024 ACC Premier Cup: United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Hong Kong
The format is:
- Group stage: Two groups of four, with each team playing the others in its group. Top two in each group advance.
- Super Four: A round-robin among the four qualifiers (each team meets the other three).
- Final: The top two teams in the Super Four standings meet for the title.
In total, the tournament comprises 19 matches.
India entered as defending champions, having won the previous edition (2023).
One of the defining narratives of Asia Cup 2025 is that this will be the first time India and Pakistan meet each other in an Asia Cup final, despite their frequent high stakes encounters in World Cups, Champions Trophies, and bilateral series over decades.
Squads & Key Players
Here is a condensed look at both finalists’ squads and form players (full squads available at sources like Cricbuzz).
India
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
- Top batters in the tournament: Abhishek Sharma (leading run-getter, 309 runs)
- Bowling strength: Kuldeep Yadav (leading wicket-taker), support from Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah (if fit)
- Others: Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson have played roles in key matches.
India has used rotation (resting key players in less critical matches) strategically to manage workload.
Pakistan
- Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- Key bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz (all-round contributions)
- Batting contributors: Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and others have provided depth and lower-order punch.
Pakistan’s path has often relied on disciplined bowling, spin support, and occasional explosive contributions lower down the order.
Venues & Conditions
Most matches in this tournament have been staged in the UAE, primarily in Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai) and at times Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
The final is scheduled at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, starting at 8:00 PM IST (local kickoff ~ 6:30 PM UAE time).
Dubai pitches are known to offer a balanced game with decent bounce, support for spinners in the middle overs, and possibly some grip under lights. Dew, night conditions, and boundary size will likely play a tactical role. (These are typical UAE ground characteristics; fielding and toss decisions will matter.)
Group Stage Recap
Group A
Consisted of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.
- India vs UAE: India won comfortably.
- Pakistan vs Oman: Pakistan secured victory.
- India vs Pakistan (in group stage): India won by 7 wickets.
- UAE vs Oman: UAE won.
India topped the group (undefeated). Pakistan secured the second spot to progress.
Group B
Teams: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
- Sri Lanka dominated, topping the group.
- Bangladesh claimed the second spot. Afghanistan and Hong Kong were eliminated.
Thus, the Super Four stage comprised India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Super Four: The Road to the Final
Once in the Super Four, each team played the other three:
| Match | Result |
| Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets. |
| India vs Pakistan | India won by 6 wickets. |
| Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 5 wickets. |
| India vs Bangladesh | India won by 41 runs. |
| Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Pakistan edged out Bangladesh by 11 runs. |
| India vs Sri Lanka | India and Sri Lanka locked horns; India emerged victorious in a Super Over thriller. |
By the end of Super Four:
- India remained undefeated, topping the table 6 points.
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka battled for the second spot. Pakistan clinched the runner-up position with 4 points, largely thanks to their wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
In one dramatic twist, India’s encounter with Sri Lanka went to a Super Over, after scores in regulation matched, underlining the high drama of the stage.
India’s dominance, consistency, and depth proved decisive in reaching the final. Meanwhile, Pakistan showed resilience and tactical acumen to edge into the decider.
Controversies & Rivalry Undercurrents
Taking into consideration the traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan, a final meeting results in increased focus, tension and scrutiny. Some of the major flashpoints and stories:
- No Asia Cup Final Previously: Although they had encountered over the decades, the arch-rivals had never played a final till this time.
- Toss / No Handshake Gesture: When the India vs Pakistan Super Four game was taking place, there was reportedly no handshake between the Indian and Pakistan team, and this caught the attention of media circles.
- Quotation by Ex-Players Former Pakistan great Wasim Akram caused an uproar when he said that India was the favorite going into the final and this was seen as antagonizing the spirit of his own team players by some Pakistani fans.
- Strategic Rotation and Player Management: India resting the star players such as Jasprit Bumrah in non-important matches earned admiration (possibly through workload management) and criticism (possibly with jeopardizing the match rhythm).
- Politics, National Pride and Expectations: Of course, any game between India and Pakistan on such a level has political undertones, nationalistic zeal and enormous pressure on the players of both nations. Some observers have already raised that the strength of this final can be better than what most tournaments are decided by.
- Media Storylines & Demand: Analysts and pundits will dissect every decision like batting orders, changes in the bowling decision, lapses in fielding. The last spotlight is increased since it is the first such showdown in the history of the Asian Cup.
Regardless of these undercurrents, many stakeholders desire the match to be determined based on cricketing merits through skill, nerve and execution.
Final Preview: Matchday Factors & Key Battles
Match Details & Broadcast
- Date & Time: Sunday, 28 September 2025, 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
- Broadcast / Streaming:
- Live on Sony Sports Network (TV)
- Streaming via Sony LIV, Fancode (subscription platforms)
- Also accessible via JioTV (free) in India
- According to coverage announcements, this match will be available exclusively through these platforms.
Tactical & Pitch Dynamics
- Toss Significance: Since there are chances of dew later in the evening then the winning team might want to bowl first, under lights pursuit. This is a common fighting notion in the UAE environment.
- Powerplay & Middle Overs: India top-order (Sharma, Gill, etc.) is doing well; Pakistan will want to strike early. Spinners (Kuldeep, Axar / Nawaz) will play in stalls or turning pitch patches.
- Death Overs & Variation: Bumrah (assuming fit) and Pandya are game changers in the case of India. In the case of Pakistan, Afridi and Rauf must keep it under control. Performing under pressure will count.
- Fielding The sloppy fielding or running caused by wides/no-balls can result in high-stakes matches.
- Depth and Bench Strength: India has a better bench and flexibility that could have an advantage in case of last-minute alteration or injuries.
- Intellectual Strain: The sheer scale of a first-time final confrontation serves to provide psychological heft. Dealing with nerves will be more important than technique.
Player Matchups & Storylines to Watch
- Abhishek Sharma vs Pakistani pace/attack: Sharma has been the star of India, and it is important how Pakistan will revert to Sharma.
- Jasprit Bumrah form / fitness: In case he plays, the impact of his new ball and death overs will be questioned.
- Kuldeep Yadav vs left-handers/ sweepers of Pakistan: A typical spin/ sweep battle may prove decisive.
- Shaheen Afridi / Haris Rauf vs top order of India: Early wickets would see India being placed on the defensive.
- The versatile contribution of Mohammad Nawaz: He is an all-round player whose depth in batting and spin power are his pluses in stress matches.
- Leadership of Suryakumar Yadav: It is a matter of character to lead the team in such final.
- Lower-order finishers (Pandya / Ashraf / Faheem): Unfavourable hitting by them will be observed in close finishes.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Team | Strengths | Vulnerabilities |
| India | Form, depth, balanced bowling attack, batting firepower | Over-rotation risk; pressure in crunch moments; possible dependence on key players |
| Pakistan | Spin options, experienced pacers, fighting spirit, mental resilience | Inconsistency in top order; handling pressure nerves; fewer options if key players fail |
Some analysts argue Pakistan may have a slight edge, especially if they control early overs, or if India’s key players slip up under pressure. But the consensus largely leans India as favorites given their unbeaten run and depth.
Significance & Narrative Arc
For decades, every India–Pakistan match carries more than just cricketing weight; symbolic pride, national sentiment, and fierce rivalry saturate each contest. However, this final has a special place:
- First Asia Cup Final Meeting: Despite 16 previous editions, this marks the inaugural final between these two giants.
- Crowning Asia’s Best: Asia Cup is the continental title; winning it over the archrival carries enormous bragging rights.
- Momentum into T20 World Cup: This tournament gives momentum, confidence, and psychological advantage heading into global competition.
- Legacy Moments & Milestones: Players may be remembered for performances on this stage — e.g. Sharma’s run tally, or clutch bowling spells.
- Healing Rivalry through Sport: In a region with political tensions, cricket often becomes soft diplomacy; a clean, competitive game may amplify goodwill.
Latest Updates & Statistical Highlights (So Far)
- Top Run-Scorer: Abhishek Sharma with 309 runs (average ~51.50, strike rate ~204.63) in 6 matches.
- Highest Individual Score: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) made a century (107) during the tournament.
- Most Wickets: Kuldeep Yadav has been among the leading wicket-takers (double-digit hauls) for India.
- In India’s Super Four match vs Sri Lanka, they edged into the final via a Super Over showdown.
- India also maintained an unbeaten run through the tournament to reach the final.
- Pakistan’s path included clutch wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Super Four to clinch the second final slot.
- In the Group A stage, Pakistan beat UAE by 41 runs to ensure progression.
Recent matches have seen India build strong momentum. For instance, Reuters reports that India “crushed” Bangladesh in the Super Four to seal their final berth. Meanwhile, Pakistan enters with a resolve to avenge their earlier losses and break the India barrier in finals.
What to Watch Tonight & Predictions
What to Watch:
- How the toss plays out and who chooses to chase
- How early partnerships unfold and both teams will aim for early momentum
- Spin vs pace balance across innings
- Bowler execution in death overs under pressure
- Fielding sharpness and handling of high-pressure moments
- Which team handles the nerves better
Prediction Angle:
While Pakistan is no underdog by any stretch, especially with experienced bowlers and match-winners, India comes in with greater consistency, depth, and form. If India’s top-order fires and their bowling maintain discipline, they have the edge. But if Pakistan strikes early and disrupts rhythm, an upset is possible.
Given all variables, a close win (margin of 20–30 runs or modest wicket difference) in favour of India seems plausible but in rivalry matches, surprises are never off the table.
Dubai Awaits History as India and Pakistan Battle for Asia Cup 2025 Glory
Tonight’s clash isn’t just another cricket match, it’s the culmination of Asia Cup’s 41-year journey, finally delivering an India–Pakistan final for fans worldwide to savor. The stakes are immense, the legacy high, the drama guaranteed.
From format and squads to recent form and statistical markers, the storylines converge on one evening under Dubai’s lights. Whether India asserts dominance or Pakistan scripts history, this final is certain to be etched into cricket lore.
Baishali Karmakar 
Soureesh Datta 