India and Pakistan to Face Off in First-Ever Asia Cup Final on September 28
India and Pakistan will clash in the historic Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28 in Dubai. Get full squads, match timings, fans’ reactions, and expert predictions for cricket’s greatest rivalry.
Israr Ahmed
he cricketing world is holding its breath as the countdown begins for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the two greatest rivals in world cricket will meet in the final, set to take place on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With millions expected to tune in, this is not just a cricket match — it’s history in the making.
Road to the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final
India’s dominance: India have been the team to beat. They topped the Super Four stage with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 75 and Kuldeep Yadav’s 3/18. Earlier, in their Super Four clash with Pakistan, Abhishek Sharma (74 off 39) and Shubman Gill (47) put on a brilliant partnership to chase 171 comfortably. India also beat Pakistan in the group stage by 7 wickets, giving them a 2–0 advantage in this tournament.
Pakistan’s fightback: After losing twice to India, Pakistan’s hopes rested on their final Super Four clash against Bangladesh. Batting first, they managed only 135/8, but their pace attack stood tall. Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17) and Haris Rauf (3 wickets) ripped through Bangladesh, sealing an 11-run win and Pakistan’s ticket to the Asia Cup 2025 Final in Dubai.
Asia Cup 2025 Squads: India and Pakistan
Here are the confirmed Asia Cup 2025 squads for India and Pakistan, featuring youth, experience, and game-changers on both sides.
Pakistan Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (c) | Captain, middle order batter |
| Fakhar Zaman | Opening batter |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Top order batter |
| Saim Ayub | Batter, part-time spin |
| Khushdil Shah | Middle order batter |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Haris | Wicketkeeper / batter |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Spin all-rounder |
| Hasan Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Haris Rauf | Strike fast bowler |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Lead fast bowler |
| Hasan Ali | Fast bowler |
| Faheem Ashraf | Seam-bowling all-rounder |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr. | Fast bowling all-rounder |
| Abrar Ahmed | Leg spinner |
| Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | Left-arm spinner |
India Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Captain, middle order batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Aggressive opener |
| Shubman Gill | Opener |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Top order batter |
| Rishabh Pant / Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper options |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder, finisher |
| Axar Patel | Spin all-rounder |
| Shivam Dube | Middle order, medium pace |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Lead fast bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm pacer |
| Mohammed Siraj | Fast bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Wrist spinner |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Mystery spinner |
| Washington Sundar | Spin all-rounder |
Tournament Standouts
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Abhishek Sharma Asia Cup 2025 performance has been sensational, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer with back-to-back fifties against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
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Shaheen Afridi Asia Cup Final watch: Afridi remains Pakistan’s biggest threat, taking wickets in the powerplay consistently.
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Kuldeep Yadav: India’s spin trump card, with match-winning spells in the Super Fours.
Fans’ Reactions
Social media is buzzing with India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 fan reactions.
In Pakistan, hashtags like #ShaheenWillDeliver trend daily. Fans in Karachi and Lahore are preparing mass screenings, believing their bowling will decide the final.
In India, the mood is upbeat. Fans have coined the phrase “Teen Teer” (three arrows), predicting India will complete a hat-trick of wins against Pakistan. Watch parties are planned in Mumbai and Delhi, while broadcasters expect record-breaking TV audiences.
Dubai itself has turned into a carnival. Flags of both nations line the streets, resale tickets are going for triple the price, and hotels near the stadium are fully booked.
Expert Predictions for the Asia Cup 2025 Final
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Waqar Younis: “Finals are won by bowlers. If Afridi and Rauf strike early, Pakistan can shock India.”
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Sunil Gavaskar: “India must stay disciplined. Past results don’t matter in a final — Pakistan are always dangerous.”
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Michael Vaughan: “This isn’t just cricket; it’s theatre. Handling nerves will decide the champion.”
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Harsha Bhogle: “India’s batting depth makes them favourites, but Pakistan’s unpredictability remains their weapon.”
These Asia Cup 2025 Final predictions underline the balance of power between India’s batting and Pakistan’s bowling.
Where to Watch India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final Live
The final begins at 6:30 PM local time | 7:30 PM PKT | 8:00 PM IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fans can watch live on Star Sports, Sony Sports, PTV Sports, and stream on Disney+Hotstar. For millions asking where to watch India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final live, broadcasters have confirmed global coverage across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Global Impact
The India Pakistan Final Live broadcast is projected to attract over 300 million viewers worldwide, making it the most-watched cricket match of 2025. The clash recalls the 2017 Champions Trophy final — the last time the two teams met in a multi-nation tournament final — but with even greater stakes this time.
Conclusion
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final in Dubai is more than just a cricket match — it is pride, passion, and history rolled into one. India enter with confidence after two wins, while Pakistan’s fiery bowlers carry the hopes of a nation.
On September 28, when the first ball is bowled, every run and every wicket will echo across continents. This final is not just about deciding Asia’s champion — it is about writing a new chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry.
