The first high voltage game of Asia Cup 2025 between the arch rivals India and Pakistan is about to start at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
India and Pakistan have shared a long and intense rivalry in the Asia Cup, facing each other 19 times in the tournament over the years.
Out of those matches, India has won 10, while Pakistan has emerged victorious in 6, while the remaining 3 games ended without a result.
In their last five T20I matches, India and Pakistan have given fans some exciting moments, with thrilling finishes in the last over that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Both teams have won two matches each, but three of those games were decided in the final over, showing just how close and intense the competition has been.
In the most recent match, Pakistan won easily by 10 wickets, playing very well and dominating the game.
On the other hand, India’s last win was in a close match that went down to the last over, demonstrating their ability to remain calm and win in tough situations.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates, key moments, and expert analysis from Dubai, where Pakistan begins its journey in the Asia Cup 2025 against an eager Omani side.
-
Bumrah removes Haris as Pakistan lose second wicket at 6
Mohammad Haris’s attempt to counterattack in the sencond over quickly ended, caught by Hardik Pandya off Jasprit Bumrah for just three.
Looking to lift the scoring rate, Haris mistimed his stroke against a sharp delivery, sending it straight to mid-off.
7:35 pm -
Saim Ayub falls for duck against India
Saim Ayub’s stay ended instantly, caught by Jasprit Bumrah at point off Hardik Pandya for a golden duck.
Attempting a square drive to a harmless length ball, Ayub played too early as the spongy bounce held up off the pitch.
7:32 pm -
Pakistan Fans Flood Dubai
Pakistan supporters turn out in huge numbers at Dubai Stadium for the high-stakes India clash.
7:03 pm -
Shoaib Akhtar urges fearless cricket from Pakistan
Shoaib Akhtar demands fearless cricket with standout performances from Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris.
7:02 pm -
Playing XI
Pakistan:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
7:01 pm -
Pakistan Captain Statement
Agha mentioned that the team has been playing good cricket and noted that the pitch seems to be on the slower side, which could favor spin bowling. They are aiming to put up a “par-plus” total, meaning they want to score more than a typical target to ensure a strong position.
He confirmed that the same team will play, but emphasized the importance of having a lot of spin in these conditions. As a result, Haris Rauf, a fast bowler, will not be included in the lineup.
6:59 pm -
Toss
Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first.
6:16 pm -
Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
5:55 pm -
Pitch Report
Dubai is known for not being a high-scoring venue. Over the last two years, in 36 T20 matches played there, the average run rate in the first innings has been just 7.7 runs per over.
Fast bowlers have been more successful in picking up wickets during this time, taking 277 out of the 441 wickets.
However, spinners have been more economical, with an average economy rate of 7.03 compared to the fast bowlers’ 8.36.
While there’s no rain expected, the weather is likely to be extremely hot, making conditions tough for the players.
5:53 pm
