The highly anticipated ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has officially begun at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After winning the toss on Sunday, India chose to field first, putting Pakistan in to bat in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
This final holds special significance as it marks the first time in 41 years that India and Pakistan are meeting in an Asia Cup title clash. The historic encounter has generated immense excitement among fans worldwide, with tickets selling out well in advance and millions expected to tune in.
Head-to-Head Record in T20 Internationals
Both teams share one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket. However, India has dominated their T20 International encounters. Out of 15 meetings so far, India has secured 12 wins, while Pakistan has managed only three victories. This record has added pressure on Pakistan to perform, while India will aim to extend its dominance in high-stakes matches.
Pakistan Squad for the Final
Pakistan’s lineup for the final features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. The squad includes:
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Saim Ayub
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Fakhar Zaman
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Salman Ali Agha (captain)
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Abrar Ahmed
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Faheem Ashraf
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Haris Rauf
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Hasan Ali
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Hasan Nawaz
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Hussain Talat
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Khushdil Shah
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Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper)
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Mohammad Wasim Jr.
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Sahibzada Farhan
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Salman Mirza
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Sufiyan Muqeem
This combination highlights Pakistan’s strategy of balancing aggressive batting firepower with a pace-heavy bowling attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
India Squad for the Final
India has also fielded a strong team under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Their squad includes:
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Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
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Shubman Gill (vice-captain)
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Hardik Pandya
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Arshdeep Singh
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Abhishek Sharma
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Tilak Varma
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Shivam Dube
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Axar Patel
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Jitesh Sharma
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Varun Chakravarthy
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Kuldeep Yadav
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Harshit Rana
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Rinku Singh
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Sanju Samson
India’s strategy appears to focus on depth in batting and versatility in bowling, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Kuldeep Yadav handling spin duties.
The Stakes of the Final
This clash is more than just a cricket match. For both nations, it represents pride, passion, and an opportunity to create history. Pakistan aims to overcome India’s statistical dominance, while India is determined to reaffirm its supremacy in Asia’s premier cricket competition.
Cricket analysts expect the match to be closely fought, with both sides boasting explosive batters and match-winning bowlers. The toss result gives India the chance to chase, a strategy they have historically favored in T20 cricket. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to put up a formidable total to challenge India under the Dubai lights.
Fans from across the globe have their eyes fixed on this final, which is being billed as one of the biggest cricketing events of the decade. With emotions running high and the rivalry at its peak, the Asia Cup 2025 final promises to deliver unforgettable moments on the field.
