India vs Pakistan live: Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai

India turned lucky with the coin as they chose to bowl.

India

Abhishek Sharma: India’s batting spearhead, Abhishek has lit up the tournament with 309 runs in just six matches at a staggering strike rate of 204.63. His explosive 74 off 39 balls against Pakistan in the Super Fours was a game-changer. If he gets going early, India could seize control in the powerplay.

Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist-spinner has been a nightmare for batters in the middle overs, bagging 13 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.84. On Dubai’s spin-friendly surface, his subtle variations could trouble Pakistan’s less confident middle order.

 Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman: Returning from injury, Fakhar has quickly regained form with 155 runs in the recent UAE T20I Tri-Series, striking at 138.39. His dual ability to stabilise and accelerate makes him a key threat, especially against India’s spinners.

Abrar Ahmed: Pakistan’s go-to man in the middle overs, Abrar’s mystery spin has stifled opposition batters. His role will be vital in slowing down India’s scoring rate and applying pressure through dot balls and tight lines.

The atmosphere at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is electric. Fans are streaming in, and the stands are quickly filling up with a vibrant sea of blue and green jerseys, proudly worn by passionate supporters of both teams. The buzz in the air is unmistakable — chants and cheers are getting louder and the excitement is building with each passing minute.

Down on the field, both teams are locked into their final warm-ups — bats swinging, balls zipping through the air, and fielders sharpening their reflexes. The ground staff are putting finishing touches on the pitch, making sure everything is perfect for what promises to be a thrilling clash.

The tension is building as we inch closer to the toss at 6pm. Who will win the toss for an early advantage?

India and Pakistan may have already clashed three times in the Asia Cup 2025, but for fans worldwide, it still feels far too rare. The cricketing giants, who last played a bilateral series in 2012–13, now meet only in ICC tournaments or at neutral venues due to political tensions. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and their last bilateral series on Pakistani soil dates back to 2005–06. Even the current Asia Cup was shifted to the UAE despite India being the official host, with India also refusing to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Supporters say the political freeze robs them of one of sport’s greatest rivalries. “It’s sad that we only get to see India-Pakistan matches during ICC tournaments,” said Rishi Mishra, an Indian expat in Dubai. “Sports should be kept separate. In the end, it’s the fans who suffer.”

Indian and Pakistani cricket fans cheer their teams: (Video: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News)

For many, the ongoing Asia Cup has been a rare gift. The final in Dubai marks the first time India and Pakistan have ever contested the title match in the tournament’s 41-year history, amplifying the excitement. “We wait years for matches like this,” said Sajjad Ali, a Pakistan fan in Abu Dhabi. “Watching them play three times in one tournament is special, but the wait will begin again once it ends.”

From newcomers like Moinuddin Ali, who watched his first live match during this Asia Cup, to seasoned fans who recall childhood memories of past encounters, the call for more games is growing louder. As the final approaches, predictions remain divided: some expect India’s unbeaten run to continue, while others believe Pakistan’s late surge could spark an upset.

Harbhajan Singh, Former Indian spinner: Today India will win, and we will all celebrate.

Nayan Mongia, former India wicket-keeper: I expect a good match today. India’s chances of winning are high. India and Pakistan are going to play the finals of the Asia Cup after 41 years. India has performed very well in the Asia Cup so far. I am scared of the law of averages. We have to ensure that our players are not overconfident.

Amit Mishra, former India leg-spinner: India will win. India is way above Pakistan in cricket, as well as in thinking. They are not even able to match their thinking with us. Yes, we have to improve our fielding. We shouldn’t miss so many catches in matches because in any team, if you miss a catch in T20, anything is possible. Now that dew has started to arrive, that too is going a factor. So I think if you look at it, there is no comparison between us and them.

Waqar Younis, former Pakistan pacer: “Abhishek is a real talent and can take the game away in the first few overs, but everyone has a weakness, and although he is in a good knick, there always comes a bad day, maybe it’s on Sunday. There will be pressure on Abhishek in the final, so if Pakistani bowlers bowl with clarity and plan, they can get him out early.”

Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain: I hope so (Pakistan’s bowling comes to the fore on Sunday too), and look, it’s an India-Pakistan game. India definitely is the favourite on Sunday. But you guys have seen, cricket lovers have seen, I have seen, anything can happen in this format. One good innings, one spell can change the course of the game. The Pakistan team should take this confidence, this momentum to Sunday and back themselves and play sensible cricket.

India: 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: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

The weather is expected to be warm and notably humid, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 38°C and dipping to around 29°C in the evening. While there may be a slight drop in temperature after sunset, humidity levels will remain high throughout, testing the endurance of players on the field. Importantly, there is no rain forecast, ensuring an uninterrupted match. For spectators, breathable clothing and staying well-hydrated will be key to enjoying the game comfortably.

The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium appears favorable for batting, promising a competitive contest. Both sides boast strong bowling lineups capable of exploiting any assistance the surface offers, so batters will need to tread carefully early on. Since dew has not been a major factor in the tournament so far, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for chasing.

Salman Agha, Pakistan captain: Both teams are under the same pressure, and we will try to win this game and give our best. Yes, we made more mistakes than India in the two matches we lost. Whichever team makes fewer mistakes will win. I believe we can win tomorrow. Our attempt is to play our best cricket. And we know that if we play our best cricket and execute our plans for 40 overs, then we can beat any team.

Suryakumar Yadav, Indian captain: Let's have a good recovery tonight [post Sri Lanka match]. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. A few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow, and we will turn up the same way we did today.

India’s journey to the final has been dominant, with the only real challenge coming in their last Super Four match against Sri Lanka, which was decided in a Super Over.

They opened their campaign with a commanding nine-wicket win over the UAE in a low-scoring encounter. In their next match, India comfortably defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a game that gained attention due to the handshake controversy.

Their final group-stage match saw them overcome a spirited Oman side, winning by 21 runs. With three wins in the group stage, India entered the Super Four unbeaten and continued their strong form by defeating Pakistan once again—this time by six wickets.

Against Bangladesh, India registered a comfortable 41-run victory, all but securing their place in the final. The only real test came in their last Super Four match against Sri Lanka. Despite putting up a solid 202/5, Sri Lanka matched the total, forcing a Super Over. India, however, held their nerve and emerged victorious in the tiebreaker.

Pakistan started their Asia Cup campaign with a dominant 93-run win over Oman. However, they stumbled in their next fixture, losing to India.

They bounced back with a convincing 41-run victory over the UAE, which ensured their progression to the Super Four as the second team from Group A.

The Super Four stage began on a tough note, with another loss to India putting them under pressure. Nevertheless, Pakistan responded well, securing a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka.

Their final Super Four match against Bangladesh effectively served as a semi-final. In a tense contest, Pakistan held their nerve to win by 11 runs and booked their spot in the final.

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