The Asia Cup 2025 has already given fans two high-voltage India-Pakistan clashes, and now the stage is set for the biggest one of them all – the final. For the first time since the tournament’s inception in 1984, India and Pakistan will contest an Asia Cup final, adding another chapter to cricket’s fiercest rivalry.
The Build-Up: Drama Beyond Cricket
The two sides first met in the group stage, just months after the Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor. That tension spilled onto the cricket field. India’s players walked off without handshakes after their win, leaving Pakistan waiting, and Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian troops. Pakistan’s camp reacted strongly, with Haris Rauf stoking tensions by taunting Indian players and fans in training.
When the teams clashed again in the Super 4s, the cricket was closer, but the drama stayed. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill’s explosive start sealed the win for India, though Pakistan’s fightback showed they were far from done.
Contrasting Roads to the Final
Pakistan’s path has been turbulent yet resilient. After threatening to pull out of the tournament, they regrouped and qualified for the final by defending just 135 against Bangladesh – a bowling display that gave them confidence heading into this clash.
India, on the other hand, looked dominant in the early stages but have shown cracks in the Super 4s. Bangladesh exposed chinks in their middle order, while Sri Lanka nearly pulled off an upset before India scraped through in a Super Over. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s patchy form and a misfiring middle order remain concerns.
Key Battles and Players to Watch
India’s biggest strength has been Kuldeep Yadav, who continues to weave magic with his spin and strangle oppositions in the middle overs. Alongside him, Abhishek Sharma has been the tournament’s breakout star – scoring over 300 runs at a strike rate above 200, redefining India’s batting approach at the top.
Pakistan will lean on their pace attack, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf carrying the firepower to dent India early. Their batting, however, will need to rise above inconsistency if they are to challenge a well-rounded Indian side.
Probable XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
History and Stakes
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This is the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final.
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India remain unbeaten in the tournament, while Pakistan’s only losses have come against India.
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Pakistan last lifted the Asia Cup in 2012, while India chase yet another continental crown.
The Verdict
The final is more than just a cricket match – it’s a clash of pride, politics, and pressure. India’s unbeaten run gives them the edge, but Pakistan’s ability to rise on the big occasion cannot be underestimated. With the trophy on the line and both sides desperate for supremacy, Sunday night promises a contest for the ages.
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