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India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final: Will India Continue Their Dominance or Pakistan Pull Off Shock?

Minakshi Srivastava By
Calender Sep 27, 2025
Sports 5 min read

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Final: Will India Continue Their Dominance or Pakistan Pull Off Shock?

The Asia Cup 2025 has had everything fans could have hoped for: breathtaking performances, nail-biting thrillers, dramatic controversies, and moments that went viral across the cricketing world. From Pathum Nissanka’s heroic century against India, to Shoaib Akhtar’s hilarious gaffe on live television, to the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan final in Dubai — this edition of the continental tournament has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

As India and Pakistan gear up for their third clash in the tournament and their first-ever Asia Cup final meeting, tensions are running high and expectations soaring. Both teams come into the summit clash with contrasting momentum: India remains unbeaten, boasting a blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, while Pakistan looks to rewrite recent history and snatch a memorable victory over their arch-rivals. Fans are on the edge of their seats, wondering who will rise to the occasion, who will crumble under pressure, and which iconic moments will define Sunday’s high-voltage showdown.

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India Survive Nissanka’s Blitz to Outlast Sri Lanka in Super Over

One of the defining matches of the Super Fours came when India edged out Sri Lanka in an unforgettable contest that went all the way to a Super Over. The game was a bewitching, twisting saga of comebacks and emotions, but ended in anti-climactic fashion when Arshdeep Singh delivered a fearsome Super Over — conceding just three runs, taking two wickets, and even effecting a run-out off a dead ball. India chased the target in just one delivery, sealing their place in the final.

But the real drama unfolded in the 20 overs leading up to that point.

Sri Lanka needed 23 runs from 12 balls before the penultimate over. Arshdeep’s first three balls were spot on, but a couple of wides and a four meant Sri Lanka needed just 12 from the final six. Harshit Rana dismissed centurion Pathum Nissanka in the last over, but the opener’s effort had already left Indian fans gasping. After an edged boundary and desperate running between the wickets, Sri Lanka tied the match and forced the Super Over.

For much of the chase, Sri Lanka were firm favorites. Chasing a stiff 202, they were powered by a 127-run partnership between Nissanka and Kusal Perera. The stand left India reeling, before a flurry of wickets restored some balance. Still, Nissanka — dropped on 53 by Axar Patel — played one of the finest innings of the tournament, smashing a 52-ball hundred that nearly took his side over the line.

The Sri Lankan star seemed unstoppable: punishing every error by Arshdeep and Harshit Rana, pulling bouncers, carving full balls through the covers, and even shaking off a nasty blow to his helmet with more boundaries. His six off Rana after a hostile stare was one of the standout moments of the tournament.

Perera too found his touch, reminiscent of his Durban heist heroics, attacking India’s spinners with audacious sweeps and slog-sweeps. At one stage, Sri Lanka were cruising at 114/1 after 10 overs, leaving Suryakumar Yadav’s men visibly rattled.

But as often in T20 cricket, one moment turned the tide. Perera charged Varun Chakaravarthy, missed, and was stumped. The stand was broken, and though Nissanka kept the fight alive until the final over, Sri Lanka eventually ran out of steam.

For India, the match was a stark reminder of cricket’s fickle nature. Despite their dominance in the tournament, they were forced to win “by the skin of their teeth,” as one headline put it.

Shoaib Akhtar’s “Abhishek Bachchan” Slip Sparks Laughter Ahead of the Final

Off the field, the Asia Cup delivered one of its funniest moments thanks to Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar. Appearing on the cricket talk show Game On Hai, Akhtar was discussing Pakistan’s strategy for the final when he mistakenly referred to Indian opener Abhishek Sharma as “Abhishek Bachchan.”

“If Pakistan dismisses Abhishek Bachchan early, what will happen to the middle order? Their middle order isn’t performing well,” Akhtar said.

The hilarious slip-up left the show’s host and guests in stitches, and the clip quickly went viral on social media.

Even Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan joined the fun. Known for his wit, he responded on X (formerly Twitter): “Sir, with all due respect, I don’t think they can handle it! And I don’t even know how to play cricket.”

The comment was a subtle dig at Pakistan while also drawing laughs from fans across both nations.

Meanwhile, the real Abhishek — Abhishek Sharma — has been in blistering form throughout the tournament. The 24-year-old opener has scored 248 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 206.67, including two half-centuries. His highest score, a 75 against Bangladesh, set up India’s 41-run victory. Sharma’s aggression at the top has been one of India’s biggest strengths heading into the final.

India’s Unbeaten Run and Pakistan’s Volatile Campaign

Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India have been flawless. They won all five of their matches in the group stage and Super Fours, including two victories over Pakistan.

Their previous clash against Pakistan ended in a comfortable six-wicket win, further asserting their dominance. Kuldeep Yadav has been sensational with the ball, topping the wicket charts, while Sharma has led the batting charts. Together, they’ve underlined India’s all-round superiority.

Pakistan’s journey has been more turbulent. They’ve lost only to India but have relied on collective contributions rather than standout individual brilliance. Players like Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi have had their moments, but inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel. Still, their determination to win their first Asia Cup since 2012 cannot be underestimated.

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Suryakumar Yadav Plays Down Final Hype: “Let Us Not Think About That Right Now”

Following the nail-biting win against Sri Lanka, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the importance of recovery rather than focusing on the Pakistan clash.

“Let’s have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. A few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow, and we will turn up the same way we did today,” he said at the post-match presentation.

Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma both suffered cramps during the Sri Lanka game, forcing them back to the dressing room. Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that India would skip training on Saturday to allow players to recuperate.

ICC Sanctions Add Spice to Rivalry

The India–Pakistan rivalry, already the most heated in world cricket, got an extra dose of spice after the ICC sanctioned players from both sides following their Super 4s clash.

Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan engaged in provocative behavior during the match. Rauf mocked the Indian crowd with “6-0” gestures — referencing Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian jets — while Farhan celebrated his fifty with a gun gesture. Both incidents drew sharp criticism.

After a hearing with match referee Richie Richardson, Farhan was let off with a warning, while Rauf was fined 30% of his match fees. Interestingly, India’s Suryakumar Yadav was also fined 30% of his fees for his remarks after the group stage win, where he had dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

These incidents have only fueled expectations that Sunday’s final could see tempers flare once again.

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Asia Cup 2025 Final: Match Details

  • Match: India vs Pakistan, Final, Asia Cup 2025

  • Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

  • Date & Time: Sunday, September 28, 8 PM (IST)

  • Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode, YuppTV

Pitch Report: Batters’ Paradise With a Hint of Swing

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers a fair contest between bat and ball. The new ball provides swing for pacers, testing the top order’s technique and patience. But once batters settle, they can score heavily. Spinners and pacers alike need to bowl disciplined lines and lengths in the middle overs.

With dew likely to play a role, captains may prefer chasing under lights.

IND vs PAK Head-to-Head in T20Is

  • Matches Played: 15

  • India Won: 11

  • Pakistan Won: 3

  • Tied: 1 (India won via Bowl Out, 2007)

  • Most Recent Fixture: September 21, 2025 (India Won)

India’s dominance is clear — they have won the last seven matches against Pakistan, dating back to October 2022.

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Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 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 (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Key Players to Watch

  • Abhishek Sharma (India): India’s explosive opener is in red-hot form, with 309 runs in six innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 204.63. With three consecutive fifties, Sharma has repeatedly put India in commanding positions.

  • Kuldeep Yadav (India): The crafty left-arm wrist-spinner has 13 wickets at an average of 9.84, making him India’s go-to weapon in the middle overs. His battle with Pakistan’s middle order could define the final.

  • Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): If Pakistan are to stop Sharma and Gill at the top, Shaheen Afridi must deliver early breakthroughs. His ability to swing the new ball remains Pakistan’s biggest weapon.

  • Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan): Despite controversies, Farhan has shown resilience. His ability to anchor Pakistan’s innings might prove decisive.

Match Prediction: India Favorites, But Expect Fireworks

Given their unbeaten run, head-to-head dominance, and form of players like Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav, India enter the Asia Cup 2025 final as overwhelming favorites.

Pakistan, however, thrive on unpredictability. Their passionate approach, combined with a sense of unfinished business against India, makes them dangerous opponents. If Shaheen Afridi strikes early and their middle order steps up, an upset cannot be ruled out.

Still, with India’s depth, form, and recent dominance, the Men in Blue are tipped to lift their ninth Asia Cup trophy in Dubai.

Final Thoughts

The Asia Cup 2025 has already given fans unforgettable moments — from Nissanka’s heroic century and Arshdeep’s nerveless Super Over, to Shoaib Akhtar’s “Abhishek Bachchan” slip and the ICC sanctions spicing up the rivalry.

Now, it all comes down to one night in Dubai. India and Pakistan, two cricketing powerhouses, will battle for continental supremacy in front of a global audience. Whether it ends in another thriller or a one-sided clash, one thing is certain: the Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered for years to come.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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