The wait is finally over. Cricket fans around the globe will witness history on Sunday, September 28, 2025, when India and Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup final for the very first time in the tournament’s 41-year history.

Pakistan sealed their place in the grand finale with a nail-biting 11-run victory against Bangladesh in a virtual semi-final at Dubai on Thursday night. The result set up a mouthwatering India vs Pakistan showdown, one that fans from both nations and beyond have long been craving.

Pakistan Edge Bangladesh in Low-Scoring Thriller

The stakes could not have been higher. A win meant progression to the Asia Cup final, while defeat meant elimination. Bangladesh, who were playing their second match in less than 24 hours, won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Pakistan, however, endured a disastrous start. The Men in Green were reeling at 49/5 at one stage and later slumped further to 71/6. Early dismissals of Sahibzada Farhan (4) and Saim Ayub (duck – his fourth of the tournament) compounded their woes. Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 13, while captain Salman Agha managed only 19, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.

The revival came through a gritty 38-run seventh-wicket stand between Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz. Haris top-scored with a quick 31 off 23 balls (two fours, one six), while Nawaz struck 25 off 15 balls (two sixes, one boundary). Their partnership dragged Pakistan to a fighting total of 135/8 in 20 overs.

Adding late impetus, Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with a cameo of 19 off 13 balls, including two massive sixes. Notably, Afridi was dropped twice by Bangladesh fielders, proving costly in hindsight.

Bangladesh’s bowlers kept things tight. Taskin Ahmed spearheaded the attack with 3/28, while spinners Rishad Hossain and Mahedi Hasan claimed two wickets apiece.

September 14th - IND beat PAK.
September 21st - IND beat PAK.
September 28th - IND vs PAK in final.

It's going to be a Cracker - Historic Sunday in the Asia Cup. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6gbBzthDXr— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 25, 2025

Bangladesh Falter in Chase

Chasing 136 for victory, Bangladesh were expected to rely on smart batting rather than blind aggression. However, their approach turned self-destructive. Careless shot selection and unnecessary aggression under pressure saw their batters squander a golden chance.

Shamim Hossain, coming in at No. 6, fought bravely with 30 off 25 balls, while Saif Hassan chipped in with 18. But no other batter could make a significant contribution, leaving Bangladesh struggling throughout.

Pakistan’s pace duo of Shaheen Afridi (3/17) and Haris Rauf (3/33) proved decisive. Afridi struck twice in the powerplay, breaking Bangladesh’s backbone early on. Rauf, bowling with pace and accuracy, ensured there was no late fightback.

Eventually, Bangladesh were restricted to 124/9 in 20 overs, handing Pakistan an 11-run victory and a ticket to the Asia Cup final.

Afridi’s all-round brilliance—three wickets, a crucial cameo with the bat, and early breakthroughs—earned him the Player of the Match award.

PAKISTAN ARE IN THE FINAL OF THE ASIA CUP. pic.twitter.com/mDAHcC69fC— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) September 25, 2025

Reactions: Pakistan Ready for India Showdown

Pakistan captain Salman Agha, relieved after the narrow win, expressed optimism:

“We are a good enough team to beat anyone. We know what we need to do, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them.”

Afridi, named Player of the Match, echoed the sentiment with confidence:

“We are ready.”

This win now sets up a third meeting between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. India dominated the earlier encounters, winning the group stage match by seven wickets and the Super 4 contest by six wickets.

India to play 3rd time against Pakistan in this Asia Cup 2025#AsiaCupT20 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/OHbU7TcG8n— AshKohlic 😜 (@Ash_Bhi) September 26, 2025

A Historic First: India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup Final

Surprisingly, despite their storied rivalry, India and Pakistan have never met in an Asia Cup final. Since the tournament’s inception in 1984, the two nations have crossed paths several times in group stages and Super Four matches, but never in the summit clash.

The 2025 edition finally delivers what cricket fans worldwide have dreamed of—a high-stakes Asia Cup final between the two giants of Asian cricket.

Cricket enthusiasts on social media erupted with joy, expressing excitement for the historic showdown. One fan summed up the mood perfectly:

“It has taken more than 40 years, but we finally have it—an India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final!”

It has taken more than 40 years but we finally have it: a first India-Pakistan Asia Cup final 🏆 #PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰🤍💚 pic.twitter.com/8PkhoeT75p— Abdullah (@Abdullahsid94) September 26, 2025

India’s Dominance Over Pakistan in Recent Years

While Pakistan enters the final with renewed hope, history is stacked in India’s favor.

• India has won their last seven matches against Pakistan since 2022 across formats.

• In Asia Cup 2025 itself, India has beaten Pakistan twice comprehensively—by seven wickets in the group stage and six wickets in the Super Four stage.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India sealed their place in the final earlier by beating Bangladesh on September 23. With the last Super Four clash against Sri Lanka now a dead rubber, India is expected to test its bench strength before the blockbuster final.

This is how Pakistan team has made their way INTO THE FINALS .

See you in the Asia Cup Final, India! 🏏🔥
#AsiaCup2025 #PAKvsBAN #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/uHUJL9MCcF— Eshmal Ali (@eshmalisha) September 26, 2025

Tournament Finals Between India and Pakistan (Featuring 5+ Teams)

The two sides have clashed in finals of multi-nation tournaments five times before (excluding bilateral series), with Pakistan holding the edge:

Overall finals record (multi-nation tournaments with 5+ teams):

• Matches: 5

• India wins: 2

• Pakistan wins: 3

Notably, Pakistan’s last final victory came in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they thrashed India by 180 runs. India’s most recent win in a final against Pakistan dates back to the 2007 T20 World Cup, a thrilling contest they won by just five runs.

India will face Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RugXwEp1Be— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 25, 2025

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: What to Expect

The Asia Cup 2025 final is not just another cricket match—it’s a contest loaded with history, rivalry, and immense pressure. Both sides bring contrasting form and records to the table:

• India: Dominant in the tournament so far, with back-to-back wins over Pakistan and an unbeaten run heading into the final.

• Pakistan: Battled inconsistencies but showed fighting spirit in the must-win clash against Bangladesh. Their bowling, led by Afridi and Rauf, remains their strongest weapon.

Off the field, the excitement is equally intense. Fans on both sides of the border are brimming with anticipation, making this one of the most-watched cricket matches of the year.

asia cup ko aise design kiya gya tha ki india vs pakistan final hona hi tha at any cost !— Cigarettes with Kitten 🐾 (@coffeeshyt) September 26, 2025

Final Thoughts

The stage is set for a historic showdown in Dubai on September 28, 2025. India and Pakistan will finally meet in an Asia Cup final for the first time ever, promising a spectacle that transcends sport.

India enters the contest with momentum and a dominant record in recent clashes, while Pakistan carries the determination to turn the tide and claim glory.

As Shaheen Afridi put it: “We are ready.” And cricket fans worldwide are more than ready too—for what promises to be an unforgettable final in Asia Cup history.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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