India Seeks to Retain Asia Cup Title Against Pakistan

India Seeks to Retain Asia Cup Title Against Pakistan

The Asia Cup final is set: India takes on Pakistan in a thrilling match. India looks to extend their unbeaten streak against a Pakistani team seeking revenge after two previous losses.

“(I got) what I wanted from the boys - just to try and execute their plans, be clear and not to fear...”

Pakistan is seeking revenge against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup final, but India looks like a firm favorite to retain the title. The two teams will clash in a potentially intense final in Dubai on Sunday. India has been unbeaten in the tournament, crushing every opposition on their path to the final.

The Indian juggernaut has swaggered into the final, showcasing their dominance as the reigning 20-over world champions. They've won all six matches so far, including two victories over Pakistan in the group stage and Super Four round. India's strong performance has made them favorites to win the title.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to redeem themselves after losing to India twice in the tournament. They secured their spot in the final with a gritty 11-run win over Bangladesh in their last Super Four match. Pakistan's pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, will aim to provide early breakthroughs, while their spinners will try to contain India's powerful batting lineup.

Pakistan were swatted aside twice, first in the group stage and then in Super Fours, by an India team containing the world's top-ranked batter and bowler in the T20 format in opener Abhishek Sharma and spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

Six-hitting machine Abhishek is also the tournament's leading scorer with 309 runs from six innings, often setting the tone of India's batting in the first six powerplay overs.

Abhishek Sharma's exceptional form at the top of the order has been a significant factor in India's success, with the young opener scoring consistently throughout the tournament. His red-hot form has overshadowed skipper Suryakumar Yadav's struggles with the bat.

India's bowling attack has been led by Jasprit Bumrah, who has excelled in controlling the powerplay overs. However, it's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who has been the team's wrecker-in-chief, topping the bowlers' chart with 13 wickets. Yadav's impressive performance has been crucial to India's success in the tournament.

India's spinners, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy, have consistently delivered strong performances in the middle overs, keeping the opposition in check. With a pool of talented all-rounders at his disposal, Suryakumar Yadav has a plethora of bowling options to choose from, making India's bowling attack even more formidable.

The highly anticipated matchup between India and Pakistan is set to be intense, with sparks flying and tempers fraying. This will be the first tournament for both teams since a military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors in May, adding an extra layer of tension to the contest. Given the history between the two teams, this match promises to be an electrifying encounter.

India narrowly defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super Over finish on Friday, a match that served as a reality check for the team. This close call should help India shake off any complacency that might have crept into their campaign, ensuring they stay focused and sharp as they head into the tournament's crucial stages.

“(I got) what I wanted from the boys - just to try and execute their plans, be clear and not to fear," Suryakumar said of their flawless campaign heading into the final.

“That was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final.”

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— BCCI (@BCCI) September 26, 2025

Pakistan will be highly motivated to avoid a third defeat to arch-rivals India in the tournament, seeking to make amends for their previous losses. The team can draw confidence from their narrow 11-run win over Bangladesh in their last Super Four match, which showcased their ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial victories.

“Very excited,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said of the final against India.

“We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them.”