DUBAI: Pakistan and India are all set for the high voltage clash of the year in Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
The arch rivals come into the Dubai clash in form.
India thrashed UAE in their opener, rolling them over for 57 and chasing the target inside five overs clinching an easy win against the gulf team.
On the other hand, Pakistan, meanwhile, beat Oman convincingly, defending 160 before bowling their opponents out for 67 in 16.4 overs. Mohammad Haris returned to form with a 66-run innings, though questions remain over other top-order batters.
Spinners Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed bowled well, Shaheen Afridi improved in his second spell, while Faheem Ashraf was economical and took two wickets.
In the head to head contest, India holds a dominant edge in T20Is, winning 10 of 13 matches.
This will be the first meeting between the rivals since their Pakistan’s historic victory in the military conflict earlier this year.
The event is being hosted by the BCCI in the UAE. Officials were under pressure to boycott the match against Pakistan but ignored it and went ahead. Due to media hype over non-issues, Indian cricketers are under extra pressure.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson wants his team to stay focused though the significance of the match is not lost on him.
“Being part of a highly-charged event is going to be exciting,” the New Zealander said this week.
“From my perspective … it is about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That will be no different.
“We know India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so. But we are very much focused on improving as a team day-by-day and not getting ahead of ourselves.”
Separately, Dubai Police issued a new security advisory for cricket fans ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India.
Authorities stressed that spectators must maintain discipline in line with the UAE’s global reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.
In preparation, Dubai Police have introduced special rules and regulations for fans attending the matches.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations and Chairman of the ESC, said special police units have been deployed for all Asia Cup matches.
He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in disorderly conduct or attempts to disrupt security. Legal measures will be enforced to ensure the safety of fans and the stadium.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Also read: Key players to watch out for in Pakistan-India Asia Cup clash
