In a blockbuster conclusion to the continental tournament, Pakistan secured an 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Super Four match to set up a mouth-watering Asia Cup 2025 final against archrivals India at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28. The stage is now set for one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries with the coveted continental trophy on the line.
Pakistan Edges Past Bangladesh
Electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 276/7, featuring a blistering 96 from Babar Azam and a late cameo of 42 off 21 balls by Mohammad Rizwan. Bangladesh’s chase faltered as their middle order collapsed under pressure, ultimately managing 265/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Haris Rauf’s fiery spell (4/52) and Shaheen Afridi’s early breakthroughs proved decisive.
India’s Dominant Path
India booked their final berth with an emphatic 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Super Four opener. Led by a masterful 112* from Virat Kohli, India chased down 245 with 14 overs to spare, showcasing their batting depth and bowling prowess, particularly with Mohammed Siraj’s 3/45 dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order.
Head-to-Head in Asia Cup Finals
This will be the seventh Asia Cup final featuring India vs Pakistan, with India leading the overall head-to-head 4–2 in previous finals. Their last final clash came in 2018, where India triumphed by three wickets in Dubai. Pakistan will seek revenge on home soil trophy success, while India aims to extend their supremacy.
Pitch and Conditions
The Dubai strip has favored batting throughout the tournament, with an average first innings score of 268. However, recent matches suggest spinners can exploit the slow turn under lights. Captains Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam will likely win the toss and opt to chase, leveraging dew factors in the evening game.
Key Players to Watch
- India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Virat Kohli (Formidable middle order), Jasprit Bumrah (Death bowling specialist)
- Pakistan: Babar Azam (Captain), Shaheen Afridi (Pace spearhead), Shadab Khan (Spin all-rounder)
Fanfare and Broadcast
The high-stakes final is expected to draw over 60,000 spectators to the sold-out Dubai International Stadium and smash viewership records across Asia. Major broadcast partners will air live coverage, with digital streaming available on leading platforms.
Historical Significance
An India-Pakistan final amplifies the tournament’s profile, fueling intense viewership and commercial sponsorship. The winner will claim their eighth Asia Cup title, further cementing their regional dominance.
