The rivalry is back, and this time with even higher stakes. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, India face Pakistan once again at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. The last meeting saw India dominate, winning by 7 wickets, but Pakistan will be determined to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.
Match Details
-
Match: India vs Pakistan, Super Four, Asia Cup 2025
-
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
-
Time: 8:00 PM IST | 7:30 PM PST | 6:30 PM GST
-
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
-
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India), PTV Sports (Pakistan)
-
Live Streaming: SonyLIV (India), PTV Flix (Pakistan), YuppTV (USA, Canada, Australia), Cricbuzz App (Middle East coverage)
Team Overviews
India (IND):
India come into this clash brimming with confidence after beating Pakistan comfortably on September 14. Abhishek Sharma provided fireworks at the top, while Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma ensured a smooth chase. Their bowling unit remains lethal, with Jasprit Bumrah’s accuracy and Kuldeep Yadav’s variations keeping opposition batters in check.
India’s balance makes them a tough opponent—Shubman Gill’s stability, Hardik Pandya’s all-round strength, and Rinku Singh’s finishing are all assets that could tilt the game. With SKY leading from the front, India look set to maintain their unbeaten run.
Pakistan (PAK):
Pakistan will be under pressure after their defeat in the group stage. Their batting, although explosive, lacked consistency. Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub are key to giving them quick starts, while Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Ali Agha need to convert their starts into big scores.
Bowling remains Pakistan’s best chance. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has a history of troubling Indian openers, will once again be the main weapon. Alongside him, spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed will need to contain India’s middle order. If Pakistan are to win, their bowlers must deliver early breakthroughs.
Key Players to Watch
India:
-
Suryakumar Yadav (c): The skipper and match-winner with his innovative batting.
-
Jasprit Bumrah: His new-ball spell could break Pakistan’s backbone.
-
Abhishek Sharma: In sublime touch with a strike rate near 200.
Pakistan:
-
Shaheen Afridi: Can tilt the game in the first two overs with the new ball.
-
Mohammad Haris: Explosive opener capable of a match-defining innings.
-
Salman Ali Agha: Needs to anchor and guide the middle order.
Head-to-Head (T20Is)
-
Total Matches Played: 14
-
India Won: 11
-
Pakistan Won: 03
-
Most Recent Match: Sept 14, 2025 – India won by 7 wickets
Probable Playing XIs
India (IND):
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Pakistan (PAK):
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
Pitch Report – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai surface has played true to its reputation: new-ball swing early, assistance for spinners in middle overs, and batting becomes easier under lights. Dew could play a role, making chasing the safer option. Expect scores between 160–180 to be competitive.
Probable Match Scenarios
-
If India bat first: A total around 180 could put Pakistan under immense pressure.
-
If Pakistan bowl first: Early wickets from Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf could make this contest very interesting.
-
If chasing under lights: The team batting second might have an edge due to dew factor.
Match Prediction
India remain the favorites thanks to their depth, current form, and psychological edge after the recent 7-wicket win. Pakistan’s best hope lies in Shaheen Afridi striking early and Haris delivering with the bat.
Prediction: India to win, but Pakistan expected to fight harder than last time.
