Dubai: In a historic first, India and Pakistan are set to face each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl first, confirming that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya would miss the match due to a niggle. The decision marks a pivotal moment for the Indian side, as they prepare to defend their unbeaten streak in the tournament against their arch-rivals.
Yadav, addressing the press at the toss, confirmed that Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana would sit out, while Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh join the squad. “Hardik misses out due to a niggle, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana also miss out. Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh come in,” he stated. Despite Pandya’s absence, India retains a formidable lineup with a mix of youth, experience, and match-winning talent.
The significance of this final is heightened by the fact that it is the first-ever India-Pakistan final in Asia Cup history. The two sides have clashed twice in the tournament already, with India emerging victorious on both occasions – winning by 7 wickets in the group stage and by 6 wickets in the Super Four match. This dominant record adds pressure on Pakistan to overturn the tide, while India aims to extend its unbeaten streak against Pakistan across formats to eight consecutive victories.
The opening of the match saw Shivam Dube take the new ball for India, delivering four dot balls to Sahibzada Farhan before conceding the first boundary of the innings. Farhan’s crisp shot over mid-on was the initial sign of Pakistan’s intent. At the crease alongside him, Fakhar Zaman prepared to build a partnership that could provide Pakistan with a platform in the absence of early wickets. The stadium atmosphere was electric as both teams lined up for their national anthems, reflecting the significance and historical weight of this contest.
India’s strategy to bowl first is influenced by the conditions under the lights, which are expected to favor the bowlers initially. Yadav elaborated, “It looks a good wicket. The wicket gets better under lights. We have been batting well first but would like to chase today. The groundsmen have done a terrific job.” This decision also aims to capitalize on Jasprit Bumrah’s pace and Shivam Dube’s all-round skills to contain Pakistan’s top order early in the innings.
The Indian playing XI features a balanced combination of youth and experience: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, has retained the same XI that competed in their Super Four encounters: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
Player matchups are expected to play a decisive role in the final. Abhishek Sharma, India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament with 309 runs, will be closely watched, especially in his face-off against Shaheen Afridi. Sharma is on the verge of breaking Virat Kohli’s record for most runs by an Indian in a multi-nation T20I tournament. The battle between Kuldeep Yadav and Pakistan’s top-order batters is also poised to be crucial, given the spin-friendly conditions in the UAE.
Pakistan’s road to the final has been marked by resilience and recovery. Wins against Oman, UAE, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh kept them in contention despite two losses to India. Their captain, Salman Agha, emphasized that the team is focused on executing a perfect game, hoping to overcome India’s psychological edge. Former Indian players, including Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev, noted Pakistan’s youth and inexperience, suggesting that the team could struggle in the high-pressure environment of the final.
For India, the absence of Hardik Pandya is a significant blow, given his multi-faceted contributions with the bat, ball, and in the field. However, the team management has emphasized confidence in their bench strength, with Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh expected to step up. Jasprit Bumrah’s return adds firepower to the bowling attack, providing India with the experience and pace required to dominate Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Fans have flocked to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with all 28,000 tickets sold out. Spectator enthusiasm is amplified by the fact that this is the first India-Pakistan Asia Cup final, and cricket enthusiasts across the region are following the match closely. Cinema halls in India are also broadcasting the game on large screens, catering to viewers unable to attend the stadium. Dubai Police have issued specific guidelines for attendees, including early arrival, adherence to security protocols, and respect for stadium regulations.
Off the field, the final has sparked discussions and potential controversies, such as whether India captain Suryakumar Yadav will accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi if India emerges victorious. These speculations, however, have not diminished the anticipation surrounding the high-stakes encounter.
Statistically, India enters the match in superior form. The team has won 34 out of 37 T20Is since 2024, including three victories via Super Over. Their consistent performances throughout the Asia Cup 2025 have solidified their reputation as the team to beat. Pakistan, in contrast, faces the dual challenge of overcoming past defeats and performing under immense pressure in a final that carries historical significance.
The pitch conditions, spectator expectations, and the rivalry’s legacy combine to make this final a highly anticipated event. India aims to continue its dominance over Pakistan, while Pakistan seeks redemption and a historic breakthrough. The Asia Cup 2025 final promises an electrifying contest that transcends cricket, embodying regional pride, sporting legacy, and national fervor.
As the players take their positions on the field, the cricketing world waits with bated breath for what could be a defining moment in India-Pakistan sporting history, one that will be remembered for years to come.