Cricket fans around the globe are gearing up for the biggest clash of the year as India take on Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The two arch-rivals will battle for continental glory on Sunday, September 28, at 8 PM IST in what promises to be a high-voltage encounter.
Match details
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Match: India vs Pakistan, Final, Asia Cup 2025
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Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
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Date & Time: Sunday, September 28, 8 PM (IST)
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Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
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Live Streaming (Apps & Websites): SonyLIV (India), FanCode (India), YuppTV (South Asia, MENA, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand), Willow TV (USA), StarHub TV+ (Singapore), Dialog TV (Sri Lanka), Tapmad (Pakistan)
Team overviews
India
India have dominated this edition of the Asia Cup, winning all their matches en route to the final. Their campaign has been defined by balance and depth, with both the batting and bowling departments delivering consistently.
Opener Abhishek Sharma has been the standout performer with the bat, leading the run charts with 309 runs in six matches at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate above 200. In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav has been lethal in the middle overs, bagging 13 wickets at just 9.84 apiece. India will look to extend their unbeaten streak and lift their ninth Asia Cup title.
Pakistan
Pakistan have blown hot and cold but managed to find their way to the final, relying on collective team efforts. They will be desperate to end their 13-year wait for an Asia Cup trophy, having last won it in 2012. Pakistan’s batting has been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance from Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, while the bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, remains their biggest weapon.
For Pakistan, this final is about redemption, as they look to avenge two defeats against India in this year’s tournament.
Key players to watch
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Abhishek Sharma (India): With 309 runs in the tournament, he has been India’s batting mainstay and will be crucial at the top.
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Kuldeep Yadav (India): Currently the leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps, his middle-over spells could decide the match.
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Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): Pakistan’s strike bowler, capable of dismantling India’s top order early on.
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Saim Ayub (Pakistan): An explosive left-hander who can set the tone if he gets going.
India vs Pakistan head-to-head in T20Is
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Matches Played: 15
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India Won: 11
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Pakistan Won: 3
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Tied: 1 (India won via Bowl Out in 2007)
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Most Recent Fixture: September 21, 2025 – India won
Probable playing XIs
India (IND):
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan (PAK):
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Pitch report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers early swing for pacers, making the powerplay overs crucial. Batters who spend time in the middle can accelerate later and post big scores. Spinners come into play as the pitch slows down, but dew in the evening may favor the chasing team. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt for bowling first.
Probable scenarios
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If India bat first, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill could lay a strong foundation, with Kuldeep Yadav expected to choke Pakistan in the middle overs.
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If Pakistan bowl first, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will need early wickets to put India under pressure. Pakistan’s batting unit must avoid collapses against India’s quality spin attack.
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A high-scoring game is on the cards if dew comes into play, making chasing the safer option.
Match prediction
India have the momentum, balance, and recent head-to-head dominance over Pakistan. Their unbeaten run and depth in both departments make them favorites. Pakistan, however, thrive in high-pressure matches and could turn the tables if their pace attack strikes early.
Prediction: India to win the Asia Cup 2025 final, but expect a tight contest with Pakistan pushing hard for an upset.