Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan – Match Preview
India and Pakistan will face each other for the second time in eight days when they clash in the Super Fours stage of the T20 Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. The stakes are higher this time, as the winner will take a big step toward qualifying for the final, while the loser will be pushed further away from the title decider. The contest comes on the back of India’s dominant seven-wicket victory in the group stage, a result that firmly established them as favourites heading into this high-voltage encounter.
India will draw confidence not only from their emphatic win over Pakistan last week but also from their current form and stature. Ranked as the ICC’s number one T20 side, Suryakumar Yadav’s men are the defending Asia Cup champions and reigning T20 World Cup winners. Their batting firepower, led by Abhishek Sharma at the top and supported by a balanced middle order, makes them a formidable unit. The return of rested bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, further strengthens their lineup, giving them the edge in both departments.
Pakistan, however, will see this clash as a chance for redemption after a humbling performance in their first meeting. Their batting struggled under pressure, with only late fireworks from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem helping them cross 100. The team will need more intent from their top order and consistency from their middle order to challenge India’s strong bowling attack. Hasan Nawaz’s aggressive batting style and Muqeem’s wicket-taking abilities remain Pakistan’s best hopes to turn things around.
The buildup to this game has been clouded by the fallout of the last encounter, where India’s players refused to engage in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to India’s armed forces, linking the gesture to political tensions beyond cricket. Pakistan responded with an official protest and even delayed the start of their following match in defiance. This off-field drama has added more emotional weight to Sunday’s showdown.
Form-wise, India have been near flawless, unbeaten in the tournament and carrying a five-match winning streak since their T20 World Cup triumph. Pakistan’s results have been mixed, but they enter the game with a series win behind them and will hope their unpredictability works in their favour. With both teams expected to field the same XIs from their previous clash, execution and temperament under pressure will decide the outcome.
The atmosphere at the Dubai International Stadium is set to be electric, with fans from both nations expected to turn up in large numbers despite scorching weather conditions. With India aiming to consolidate their dominance and Pakistan desperate to keep their campaign alive, this match promises another chapter in cricket’s most storied rivalry.