Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in Dubai

India chose to field after winning the toss.

Given the nature of the pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, it was expected that any captain who wins the toss will opt to field first. As expected the teams didn't have the mandatory handshakes.

Suryakumar said during the training yesterday there was a lot of dew and that's the reason he chose to bowl first. He said that they've been playing like all matches are knockouts so nothing changes. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy come back.

Salman Agha says Pakistan would have liked to bowl as well. He adds that this game is a new challenge and they want to play good cricket.

The toss is just a few minutes away, and a growing buzz fills the air. Dubai International Cricket Stadium is steadily filling up, with fans streaming in, waving flags, and taking their seats.

Those already settled are swaying and dancing to the upbeat music echoing across the ground, creating a festive atmosphere.

Both teams are warming up on the field, going through their drills with focus and intensity. Cheers erupt from the stands every time a popular player appears near the boundary or takes a spectacular catch in practice. The excitement is building, and anticipation hangs thick in the air as we count down to what promises to be an electrifying clash between India and Pakistan.

The message from cricket fans is loud and clear — they want a nail-biter, not a one-sided affair. While most are backing India to win again, they’re hoping for a high-octane thriller when the two teams face off for in the Asia Cup Super Four stage.

The last time these two teams met, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory. But fans believe this time will be different. Read more

Team Pakistan has arrived at Dubai International Cricket Stadium ahead of their highly anticipated Super Four match against India in the Asia Cup 2025. Fans and officials are gearing up for a thrilling contest as both sides prepare for one of the tournament’s biggest showdowns.

Earlier, Dubai’s Events Security Committee stressed the importance of respecting rules, arriving early, and maintaining sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Strict penalties apply for violations: pitch invasions, carrying banned items, or abusive behaviour, with fines of Dh5,000–Dh30,000 and up to three months in prison.

Key instructions for fans:

• Arrive at least three hours before the match starts

• One entry per valid ticket

• Follow parking regulations

• Avoid banned items such as fireworks, sharp objects, large cameras, umbrellas, pets, scooters, glass items, selfie sticks, and remote-controlled devices

Specialised police units have been deployed across all Asia Cup fixtures. Authorities have warned that any attempts to disrupt the event will face strict legal action.

Dubai Police have issued a safety advisory for fans attending the Asia Cup in Dubai, urging everyone to follow instructions from police and private security teams to ensure a safe and smooth experience. The alert, sent on Sunday, reminded spectators to check their tickets for validity and enter through the gates assigned by event organisers. Authorities thanked fans for their cooperation in keeping the championship secure and enjoyable.

Suryakumar Yadav, Indian captain

“It [the match] will be a good contest between the ball and the bat. Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep [on shutting the outside noise]. It’s easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult.”

Salman Agha, Pakistan captain

“We are ready, we are ready for any challenge. We just want to play good cricket. If we play good cricket, like we have played in the last few months, I think we’ll be good against any side.. We got the job done [on batting performance] but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on.”

Monty Panesar, Former England spinner

"The hype around the India vs Pakistan game is a little less this time. Now, one of the reasons is the recent handshake row. It has affected the buzz. Pakistan and India should pay more attention to cricket and less to other things. India's status is very strong right now. Pakistan is such a team that when it plays against India, they can do 20-30 per cent better, so Pakistan will have to play very well, they should play in the same way as before. But, in my opinion, India will win this match."

Venkatesh Prasad, Former India fast bowler

"There is no need to talk about India and Pakistan now because there is a lot of difference between the two teams. India is always on top. India will definitely win."

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria

"Pakistan cricket is in a pathetic state right now. This always happens: when there is an issue (handshake snub), instead of taking responsibility, they keep blaming others. "The selectors were entrusted with the responsibility of 22 crore people. What team did you select? What coaching assignments did you give? What was your game plan, strategy, and approach? Pakistan is not playing well as expected, while India is a top-tier team. Judging by their performance in the last game, it is clear that Pakistan's team is not better than the Indian team."

Spin is expected to play a major role at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with another dry, slow surface likely on offer. The match is set to be played on the same central pitch used in the previous India-Pakistan clash. The conditions here have remained fairly consistent across both innings, where dew influenced the game. The toss hasn’t had a major impact at this venue. Temperatures around the start of play are forecast to hover near 35°C, though evenings have started cooling off compared to last week.

If Axar Patel is fit, India may opt for a three-spinner setup. After rotating their squad against Oman — giving chances to all batters and part-time bowlers — India are expected to return to full strength, with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy likely to slot back in.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Khushdil Shah returned to the XI against the UAE, replacing Sufiyan Muqeem and Faheem Ashraf — a balance that is likely to be retained.

India have enjoyed an impressive run in the tournament so far. They opened their campaign with a comfortable nine-wicket victory over hosts UAE in a low-scoring encounter. This was followed by a dominant seven-wicket win against Pakistan in a high-stakes clash. India concluded the group stage with a 21-run win over Oman in Abu Dhabi, finishing at the top of Group A.

Pakistan, meanwhile, began their tournament on a strong note with a commanding 93-run win over Oman. However, they stumbled in their second match, losing to India. Their final group game against hosts UAE was mired in controversy, with tensions rising over a disputed handshake and issues involving match referee Andy Pycroft — leading to threats of withdrawal from the Asia Cup. The game eventually began an hour late, and Pakistan secured a 41-run victory, finishing second in the group.

India (probable): Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh. 

Pakistan (probable): Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

If you’re looking for an immersive and energetic experience, Dubai offers a range of venues where cricket fans can gather to watch the India vs Pakistan clash. These spots provide the perfect atmosphere to cheer alongside fellow supporters and soak in the excitement of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

Gulf News has covered the top locations across the city, highlighting places that combine big screens, lively crowds, and great amenities. From sports bars to dedicated fan zones, these venues ensure you won’t miss a single moment of the action while enjoying food, drinks, and camaraderie with other cricket enthusiasts.

Whether you prefer a buzzing indoor environment or an open-air setting with a lively crowd, Dubai has something for every fan. By choosing one of these recommended venues, you can experience the intensity of the Super Four match in a way that goes beyond simply watching it at home. Read more

Live telecast and streaming in the UAE

For fans in the UAE, catching the live action is easier than ever.

• Online Streaming: You can watch the match live on the STARZPLAY streaming platform, which provides access to the CricLife MAX channel.

• Cable and Satellite: The match will also be broadcast on the CricLife MAX channel, available through providers like eLife TV and Switch TV.