By Himadullah Sohoo 
The cricketing world is set for its biggest showdown of the year as India take on Pakistan in the Final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium on September 28, 2025. This isn’t just another final — it’s the renewal of the fiercest rivalry in cricket, with continental glory on the line.
Match Context – India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 Final
India enter the final on the back of five straight wins, while Pakistan bounced back strongly after a patchy run in the Super Fours. With India already having beaten Pakistan twice in this tournament, Babar Azam’s men are desperate for revenge, while Rohit Sharma’s side eyes a record-breaking finish.
Recent Form
- India: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
- Pakistan: ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
India look invincible, but Pakistan have shown the ability to strike back under pressure — a recipe for a tense final.
Players to Watch
India
- Abhishek Sharma: 509 runs in last 10 matches, avg 50.9, SR 208.6 – India’s most destructive batter this year.
- Tilak Varma: 258 runs at 43 avg – reliable anchor in middle overs.
- Varun Chakravarthy: 16 wickets at SR 12 – India’s spin trump card.
- Kuldeep Yadav: 13 wickets in 6 games, eco 6.05 – wicket-taking threat in Dubai conditions.
Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman: 270 runs at 33.75 avg – Pakistan’s go-to top-order aggressor.
- Mohammad Nawaz: Handy all-rounder with 206 runs and 11 recent wickets.
- Abrar Ahmed: 11 wickets at an incredible 4.57 economy – Pakistan’s mystery spinner.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: 11 wickets, eco 6.52 – the big-match bowler with powerplay impact.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
- 21-Sep-2025 – India won by 6 wickets
- 14-Sep-2025 – India won by 7 wickets
- 09-Jun-2024 – India won by 6 runs
- 23-Oct-2022 – India won by 4 wickets
- 04-Sep-2022 – Pakistan won by 5 wickets
India hold a 4–1 edge over Pakistan in recent T20Is.
Pitch & Conditions – Dubai International Stadium
- Typically a balanced surface, slightly assisting spinners under lights.
- Dew factor could play a role in the second innings.
- Par Score: 170–180.
Match Prediction: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 Final
India start as clear favorites given their recent dominance and superior head-to-head record. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack led by Shaheen and Abrar could turn the game if early wickets fall.
Prediction: India 55% – Pakistan 45%. Expect a nail-biter worthy of an Asia Cup final.
Zainab Shafiq