India and Pakistan are set to renew their iconic cricket rivalry in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, just a week after their group-stage clash ended in controversy due to the handshake saga at the Dubai International Stadium. This much-anticipated Round 2 encounter has cricket fans on edge as both teams aim to gain the upper hand in their bid for a spot in the final.
The last match between the arch-rivals ended with India securing a seven-wicket victory, extending their recent dominance over Pakistan in T20Is. However, the backdrop of the controversial handshake incident has added extra drama to this clash, ensuring emotions will run high on and off the field.
Head-to-Head Battle
India and Pakistan have locked horns 209 times in international cricket since 1952. While Pakistan leads overall with 88 wins compared to India’s 77, the T20I record swings heavily in India’s favor at 10–3. Their encounters in the Asia Cup also showcase India’s dominance, winning 11 of the 19 matches played. Notably, Pakistan’s last T20I victory over India in Dubai came in the 2022 T20 World Cup, when they triumphed by 10 wickets.
Key Player Battles to Watch
- Shaheen Afridi vs Shubman Gill: Afridi’s left-arm pace could trouble the Indian opener, especially after Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson’s struggles against Oman’s left-armer in the previous game.
- Abrar Ahmed vs Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma: The Pakistani spinner has been effective on slow tracks, and will be crucial in halting India’s middle order.
- Kuldeep Yadav vs Pakistan middle order: India’s premier spinner has been lethal in this tournament, picking up eight wickets at an average of just six. His control during the middle overs could again dismantle Pakistan’s batting plans.
Probable Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
With both teams aware that one big session could decide the outcome, the stage is set for another electrifying chapter in the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.