India meets Pakistan in Asia Cup summit clash (Image Credit:- X)
The stage is set for epic showdown between arch rivals India and Pakistan lock horns in Asia Cup final. India enter the tournament final unbeaten and Pakistan enter the final loosing only to India twice. The fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this high voltage clash that promises drama, passion and unforgettable cricketing moments.
In 41 year history of the tournament it’s the first time India and Pakistan face each other in the final. Both nations have shared some thrilling encounters in the tournament over the decades, a summit clash between the two adds unmatched intensity , making 2025 final a historic occasion in Asian cricket.
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In recent years , India has enjoyed a dominant run over Pakistan in multi nation tournaments. Adding to the buildup, India captain Suryakumar Yadhav downplayed the hype surrounding the clash , stating that the team does not view it as a rivalry that brings extra pressure , but rather as just another opportunity to perform on the big stage.
The much talked about handshake issue between the two teams has also added spice to the final. With the stakes even higher in the final , all eyes will be on how both teams carry themselves on and off the field.
Team News India
The cramps suffered by Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma in the previous game are not a major concern. Abhishek Sharma recovered well and available for selection.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness , stating that the all-rounder will be assessed again on Sunday before the final call on his participation is made. While the cramps are not considered serious , the team management is keen to ensure he is fully fit before featuring in high pressure clash.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Shivam Dube will return to the playing XI in place of Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The move strengthens both the bowling attack and middle order , giving India more balance.
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India Probable XI:- Abhishek Sharma , Shubman Gill , Suryakumar Yadhav (c) , Tilak Varma , Sanju Samson (wk) , Hardik Pandya , Axar Patel , Shivam Dube , Kuldeep Yadhav , Jasprit Bumrah , Varun Chakravarthy.
Team News Pakistan
Pakistan , on the other hand likely to stick with the same playing XI that featured in their previous match. With no injury concern in the camp , the team management is expected to back the settled combination , hoping continuity will give them the edge.
One of Pakistan’s key weakness in the final could be their lack of consistent power hitting in middle overs. They may struggle to maintain momentum if early wickets falls , making this potential area of concern.
Pakistan Probable XI:- Sahibzada Farhan , Fakhar Zaman , Saim Ayub , Hussain Talat , Mohammad Nawaz , Salman Agha (c) , Faheem Asharaf , Mohammed Harris (wk) , Shaheen Shah Afridi , Haris Rauf , Abrar Ahmed.
Pitch Report
The final is set to be played on a fresh pitch which is expected to assist spinners , adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match. With the average first innings score at the venue hovering around 156 , teams winning the toss might consider bowling first to exploit the conditions. The combination of a low scoring track and spin friendly surface could make this a tactical battle as much as a contest of skill.
Weather Report
No chance of rain in Dubai on Sunday.
Time
Match will begin at 08:00 PM , IST.