The stage is set. On 28 September 2025, cricket’s fiercest rivals — India and Pakistan — will meet in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be the first time in the history of the Asia Cup that these two sides face off in the championship match.
ndia Squad (Asia Cup 2025)
India enter the final with momentum, having gone unbeaten so far. Their squad for the tournament includes:
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Shubman Gill (vc)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Rinku Singh
- Jitesh Sharma
Strengths & Notes:
- Spin dominance: Kuldeep Yadav has been the tournament’s top wicket-taker, leading India’s spin attack.
- Depth in batting: Karnataka’s top and middle order provides stability, with multiple match-winners.
- Bowling variety: India’s mix of pace and spin gives flexibility in different conditions.
- Injury caution: Ahead of the final, India’s players like Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya needed recovery time after the Super Four games.
Pakistan Squad (Asia Cup 2025)
Pakistan secured their spot in the final with a thrilling win over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage. Their Asia Cup roster includes:
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Haris (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Hasan Ali
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Salman Mirza
- Sufiyan Muqeem
- Khushdil Shah
- Hasan Nawaz
Strengths & Notes:
- Pace attack firepower: Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf bowled crucial spells, especially in the Bangladesh match (3 wickets each).
- Efficient bowling under pressure: Pakistan defended a modest total (135) to beat Bangladesh, showing composure.
- Unpredictability in batting: While Pakistan’s top order has match-winners like Fakhar Zaman, consistency has been a challenge.
- Mental strength: The team is keen on breaking past patterns and strong in fightback mode.
Matchups & Battles to Watch:
- Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi
These two have already exchanged blows earlier in the Asia Cup; Sharma’s aggressive batting will test Shaheen’s pace and control. - Shubman Gill vs Haris Rauf
A middle-order clash: Gill’s flair against Rauf’s cutting pace could influence the momentum. - Suryakumar Yadav vs Abrar Ahmed
SKY’s intent to accelerate will pressure Pakistan’s spin resources; Abrar will likely be tasked with mixing things up. - Bumrah vs Fakhar Zaman
A classic contest. Bumrah’s accuracy versus Zaman’s power hitting—if Zaman gets going early, Pakistan could gain leverage. - Middle Overs Battle
Whichever team controls the 7–15 over bracket—through spin or change of pace—may dominate the final outcome.
Prediction & Strategy Tips:
- India, being unbeaten and having superior depth, may start as favorites.
- Pakistan’s disruptive bowling and hunger can turn the game if early wickets fall.
- Dew, pitch conditions, and toss will play pivotal roles in deciding innings.
- Teams should not only plan for their strengths but also counter the opponent’s danger zones.