India, Pakistan Set for Historic Asia Cup Final in Dubai Tonight

Cricket’s most intense rivalry will make history tonight as India and Pakistan face off in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. For the first time in the competition’s 41-year history, the two sides will contest the title decider.

The match begins at 7:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time (8:00 pm IST) in front of a sold-out 28,000 crowd. Ticket prices, ranging from Rs32,000 to Rs480,000, were snapped up quickly, highlighting the unprecedented demand.

Pakistan’s Build-Up

Pakistan are expected to retain the same XI that beat Bangladesh in their Super Four clash. While opener Hasan Nawaz will not feature, Saim Ayub may have a shift in the batting order.

A major boost comes with Haris Rauf declared fit to lead the attack. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi urged the squad to play “fearless cricket,” while skipper Salman Ali Agha said the key lies in handling pressure:

“In a title-decider, pressure is on both sides. The team that makes fewer mistakes will win. We’ve been saving our best for this moment.”

Pakistan head into the final with confidence in their bowling but a poor recent record against India, having lost 12 of the last 15 T20Is between the sides.

India’s Camp

India have received timely fitness boosts. Tournament top-scorer Abhishek Sharma is fit, while Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube return. Tilak Varma has also cleared his fitness test.

However, Hardik Pandya’s participation remains uncertain. He bowled just one over against Sri Lanka and continues to be monitored. His absence could affect India’s balance, with reports suggesting Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana may sit out.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav leads an unbeaten Indian side that has already beaten Pakistan twice in this edition.

High Stakes

This year’s Asia Cup offers record prize money. The winners will earn $300,000 (₹2.6 crore), while the runners-up receive $150,000 (₹1.3 crore).
Individual awards include ₹12.5 lakh for Player of the Tournament and cash prizes for top performers.

The payout surpasses the $250,000 awarded to the 2023 champions and $200,000 in 2022.

Key Factors

Experts expect the contest to hinge on Pakistan’s bowling precision versus India’s batting firepower. Conditions in Dubai may bring swing early on, while dew and spin could influence the game later.

Authorities have also issued strict crowd control and security protocols, with heavy fines for banned items inside the venue.

 Asia Cup 2025 Final — At a Glance

• Match: India vs Pakistan

• Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025

• Time: 7:30 pm PST | 8:00 pm IST

• Venue: Dubai International Stadium

• Capacity: 28,000 (sold out)

• Prize Money: Winner — $300,000 (₹2.6 crore) | Runner-up — $150,000 (₹1.3 crore)

• Broadcast: Sony Sports Network (India); Streaming on SonyLIV

Probable XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya*, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
(*fitness to be confirmed)

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir