As the Asia Cup 2025 marches into its high-octane Super Four stage, bitter rivals India and Pakistan are once again gearing up for an electrifying showdown, to be held on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE. The two arch-rivals are set to face off once again, just a week after their dramatic group stage encounter that saw India clinch a dominant seven-wicket victory. This time, however, the stakes are even higher—and the atmosphere, even more charged.
India, unbeaten so far in the tournament, have demonstrated their extraordinary skills and tactical excellence. Their group stage campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with three consecutive wins bolstering their confidence as they enter the Super Four. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has led from the front, supported by consistent performances from the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Kuldeep Yadav, whose contributions have added much-needed consolidation to the Indian lineup. Their earlier victory over Pakistan was a comprehensive one. Chasing a modest total of 127, India lost just three wickets as they overhauled the target with ease.
For Pakistan, the clash offers a chance to come out stronger against India. Their loss to India exposed some worrying cracks—especially in the middle order and death bowling. Players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris and skipper Salman Agha will be keen to turn things around, helping the side to stay competitive in the tournament. Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will be key with the ball.
The match is set to take place amid the "handshake row" that erupted following their previous meeting. After India’s win last Sunday, India’s players walked off the field without taking part in the customary post-match handshake. They reportedly avoided the traditional post-match handshakes, prompting Pakistan captain Salman Agha to skip the post-match presentation. Nonetheless, both sides will look to put the differences aside and focus on delivering powerful performances.
IND vs PAK head-to-head (T20Is)
Since 2007, both teams have faced each other in 14 T20Is. India have won 11 times, including the first match in 2007. Pakistan have registered only three wins.
India likely XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem.