For the first time in 41 years, cricket’s greatest rivals – Pakistan and India – will lock horns in the Asia Cup Final, making it one of the most anticipated encounters in recent history.
The stage is set in Dubai, where both sides will fight for the Asia Cup title.
Stay tuned to this live blog for key highlights, ball to ball updates, and expert analysis.
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11 overs, India 69-3
After 11 overs, India have moved to 69/3, with Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma rotating the strike well. The partnership is beginning to frustrate Pakistan after the early breakthroughs.
With 78 runs needed from the last 9 overs, the next few overs will be decisive — India will look to launch, while Pakistan eye a breakthrough to regain control.
10:34 pm -
India steady at halfway stage
At the halfway mark, India sit at 58/3 in 10 overs, chasing 147 in the Asia Cup 2025 Final. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma are battling hard after early blows from Pakistan’s pace attack.
The required rate is climbing, but this partnership is key.
If India wants to stay alive in the chase, both Samson and Tilak must accelerate soon without losing their wickets.
10:24 pm -
Sanju Samson dropped
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson — a chance goes down! Samson survives as Pakistan spill a catch, gifting India a lifeline in this tense chase.
Moments like these can shift the momentum in finals. Samson will need to make Pakistan pay for this missed opportunity. India 50+ with 9 overs gone, chasing 147.
10:20 pm -
Score keeps leaking
At the end of 8 overs, India move to 49/3 in pursuit of 147. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are rotating strike smartly, mixing singles with the occasional boundary.
Pakistan still hold the upper hand with early breakthroughs, but India’s middle order is showing composure. This partnership is key — another wicket here could tilt the momentum sharply Pakistan’s way.
10:17 pm -
India rebuild under pressure
After 7 overs, India reach 42/3 in their chase of 147. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are slowly steadying the innings after Pakistan’s fiery new-ball burst.
The required rate is still manageable, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling means India can’t afford another quick wicket. The partnership in progress will be crucial for India’s hopes in this Asia Cup final.
10:15 pm -
India getting steady
India finish the powerplay at 36/3 after 6 overs, with Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson holding the crease. The chase of 147 remains tricky after early blows.
Pakistan’s pacers, led by Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi, rocked India’s top order. Now, Tilak and Samson must rebuild patiently while keeping the required rate in check. The next few overs could define this Asia Cup final.
10:09 pm -
Faheem on Fire
India are now 20/3 inside four overs, chasing 147.
Pakistan’s bowlers are on top, applying relentless pressure and silencing the Indian dugout. Tilak Varma holds the key as India stare at an early collapse.
9:59 pm -
Pakistan in control
India stumble in the chase, reduced to 12/2 after 3 overs. Suryakumar Yadav fell cheaply to Shaheen Shah Afridi, caught by Salman after a juggling effort at mid-off. Abhishek Sharma had already perished to Faheem Ashraf, leaving India on the back foot.
Gill and Tilak Varma now shoulder the rebuilding job, but Pakistan’s pace attack is breathing fire, keeping the required 147 looking steeper with each over.
9:53 pm -
India rocked early - 2 down!
Shaheen Shah Afridi strikes! Suryakumar Yadav’s attempted drive stops in the pitch, and Salman Ali Agha takes a low, juggling catch at mid-off.
After a quick check, the third umpire confirms the dismissal.
SKY departs without scoring, and India slip to 12/2 inside three overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers are firing with pace and discipline, making this chase of 147 trickier by the minute. Gill now carries the responsibility with India under early pressure.
9:45 pm -
End of 2 Overs — India 12/1
Pakistan strike early through Faheem Ashraf as Abhishek Sharma miscues a slower one to mid-on.
Shubman Gill, looking steady, collects a couple to finish the over.
Suryakumar Yadav has joined him at the crease, but Faheem’s variations are already asking questions.
9:41 pm -
Big Early Breakthrough for Pakistan!
Faheem Ashraf delivers with a clever slower ball, tempting Abhishek Sharma into a mistimed stroke. The in-form opener skies it, and Haris Rauf makes no mistake at mid-on. Huge moment as India lose Abhishek early in the chase!
India: 9/1 (1.4 overs)
9:36 pm -
Tight Start from Shaheen
Shaheen Shah Afridi steams in with pace and swing, keeping India cautious in the opening over.
Abhishek Sharma cracked a boundary but struggled against movement, while Gill ended with a couple of runs.
India 7/0 after the first over.
9:34 pm -
India’s Chase Begins
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma are at the crease to open India’s innings. Pakistan threw the new ball to Shaheen Shah Afridi, hoping for an early breakthrough with his trademark swing.
9:29 pm -
Pakistan Bowled Out for 146
Bumrah finishes it! Nawaz miscues a slower bouncer, sending it sky-high to Rinku at deep mid-wicket. Pakistan, once cruising at 113/1, are bundled out for 146 in 19 overs.
A dramatic collapse sees them lose nine wickets for just 33 runs, leaving India with a chaseable target in this Asia Cup final.
9:14 pm -
End of 18 Overs – Pakistan 141/9
Pakistan’s innings continues to crumble. From 113/1 in the 13th over, they’ve slumped to 141/9, losing eight wickets in just 30 deliveries. India are now one strike away from wrapping things up.
9:04 pm -
Pakistan Collapse Under Pressure
After a steady platform at 98/1 in 11 overs, Pakistan’s innings has gone into freefall. In just 30 balls, they’ve lost six wickets for 36 runs, leaving India in firm control.
8:53 pm -
Axar Strikes Again as Talat Falls Cheaply for Just One
Pakistan’s collapse deepens as Hussain Talat departs for only 1 run, attempting a wild heave against Axar Patel. The ball ballooned off the edge, and Sanju Samson safely pouched it near the pitch.
India are tightening their grip with back-to-back strikes, leaving Pakistan reeling at 125/5 in 15 overs. The middle order now has the heavy task of stabilising the innings.
8:46 pm -
Fakhar Departs for 46 Runs
Fakhar Zaman’s resistance ends at 46 off 35 balls, as Varun dismisses him with a well-directed delivery. After smashing a six earlier in the over, Fakhar tried to go big again but mistimed his shot, handing an easy catch to Kuldeep Yadav at backward point.
This wicket is a massive boost for India, who have now broken Pakistan’s top order. Pakistan stand at 124/4 in 14.4 overs, and the pressure is firmly back on their middle order to rebuild.
8:40 pm -
Pakistan Three Down After 14 Overs in Key Clash
At the end of 14 overs, Pakistan reached 118/3, adding just 5 runs while losing a crucial wicket. The last two overs have completely shifted momentum towards India, with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris departing in quick succession.
Fakhar Zaman remains at the crease, holding one end, but Pakistan’s innings has slowed down noticeably. With only six overs left, they will need a strong finish to post a challenging total.
8:36 pm -
Axar Strikes, Haris Departs Without Scoring
India struck again in quick succession as Axar Patel removed Mohammad Haris for a duck. Haris looked to loft him down the ground but mistimed it badly, chipping straight into the hands of long off.
The dismissal put Pakistan under pressure, losing two wickets in a span of just a few deliveries. From a strong platform, the middle order now has a rebuilding task to stabilize the innings.
8:34 pm -
Pakistan 113/2 in 13 overs
Mohammad Haris joins Fakhar Zaman on the crease.
8:30 pm -
Kuldeep Strikes, Saim Ayub Falls to Sharp Bounce
India grabbed their second breakthrough as Kuldeep Yadav removed Saim Ayub in the 13th over. Bowling with fizz and overspin, Kuldeep got one to grip and bounce outside off. Ayub shaped for the cut but failed to keep it down, slicing straight to Bumrah at backward point.
The Indian camp erupted in joy as Bumrah snapped it low and clean, leaving Pakistan two down after a promising partnership. Ayub departs after a brief 14-run cameo, and India sense momentum shifting back their way.
8:28 pm -
Pakistan 107/1 after 12 overs
Tilak Varma was handed the ball in the 12th over, and Fakhar Zaman didn’t let him settle. Dancing down the track, Fakhar launched a straight boundary to put pressure on the part-timer. He followed up with controlled placement, collecting singles and twos alongside Saim Ayub.
Varma mixed his pace and lengths, but Pakistan calmly milked nine runs from the over without much risk. The choice to use Tilak raised eyebrows, as fans wondered whose overs he was covering.
8:24 pm -
Ayub Finds His Rhythm
Saim Ayub wasted no time after arriving at the crease, cracking back-to-back boundaries off Shivam Dube to settle in quickly. A swivel pull past deep mid-wicket and a neat glance past fine leg highlighted his timing and confidence.
Fakhar Zaman continued rotating strike, ensuring Pakistan’s momentum didn’t drop after Sahibzada Farhan’s departure. With the score at 98/1 after 11 overs, Pakistan are well placed to launch in the middle overs.
8:18 pm -
Farhan Falls After Fifty
India finally has the breakthrough as Varun Chakravarthy removes Sahibzada Farhan for a well-made 57 off 38 balls.
Looking to take on the spinner, Farhan mistimed his shot and was caught at deep mid-wicket by Tilak Varma.
Farhan’s innings, featuring five fours and three sixes, gave Pakistan a solid platform, but his departure leaves the responsibility on Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub to carry the momentum forward.
Score Update: Pakistan 87/1 after 10 overs.
8:10 pm -
Farhan Reaches Half-Century
Sahibzada Farhan brings up his fifth T20I fifty with a sliced shot over backward point, running hard to collect two runs. It’s also his second half-century against India, underlining his growing confidence in high-pressure contests.
His knock has been a mix of patience and power, holding Pakistan’s innings together as Fakhar Zaman anchors alongside him. With a solid platform in place, Pakistan now eye acceleration in the middle overs.
Score Update: Pakistan 77/0 after 9 overs.
8:10 pm -
Pakistan 64/0 after 8 overs.
Pakistan’s openers have given their side a strong, risk-free foundation in the Asia Cup Final.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman reached 64 without loss after eight overs, carefully balancing caution with aggression.
After scoring just 19 in the first three overs, both batters accelerated steadily, with Farhan’s six off Kuldeep standing out as the highlight.
8:03 pm -
Farhan charges Kuldeep
Kuldeep Yadav’s first over saw Sahibzada Farhan cut loose, smashing a towering six into the second tier over deep square leg.
Earlier in the over, he pulled for two and nudged singles, keeping the pressure on India’s spinner.
Fakhar Zaman also rotated strike smartly, ensuring Pakistan’s openers stayed settled.
With the score at 56 without loss after seven overs, Pakistan’s cautious start is slowly turning into calculated aggression.
8:00 pm -
Pakistan 45-0 after Powerplay ends
Pakistan wrapped up the first six overs on 45 without losing a wicket, giving themselves a solid start in the Asia Cup Final.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman weathered India’s early pace attack and found timely boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.
7:56 pm -
Pakistan 37-0 after five overs
Fakhar Zaman managed a streaky edge for two and a nudge for a single, while Sahibzada Farhan added a couple of singles despite looking for room to free his arms.
The spinner varied his pace smartly, denying both openers any real chance of acceleration. Pakistan, despite rotating strike, could not find the boundary in the over, as India’s bowlers maintained early control.
7:52 pm -
Farhan Takes On Bumrah
Sahibzada Farhan showed real intent against Jasprit Bumrah, smashing a four and then launching a massive six over mid-off to lift Pakistan’s momentum.
He looked confident after initially struggling, capitalizing on a slower ball to clear the ropes in style.
After four overs, Pakistan on 32-0
7:46 pm -
10 dots in first 18 balls
Shivam Dube continued tightly with the ball, keeping Pakistan’s openers in check.
Sahibzada Farhan survived a close call after nearly dragging one onto his stumps, but managed to rotate strike with singles.
Fakhar Zaman, after nudging a couple around, finally broke free by lofting Dube up and over for four.
Despite the boundary, India’s bowlers have maintained discipline, ensuring Pakistan’s scoring remains steady at 19 without loss after three overs.
7:41 pm -
11-0 in 2 overs
Jasprit Bumrah opened his spell with a mix of pace and movement, keeping Pakistan’s openers under pressure. Fakhar Zaman managed just a leg bye, while Sahibzada Farhan endured a testing start with mistimed strokes and misses outside off.
Farhan eventually carved a slower delivery over cover for four and tucked another short ball for two, showing intent despite looking nervy. Bumrah’s variations kept him guessing, making for a tense opening exchange.
7:36 pm -
4 for no loss in 1st over
Pakistan collected four runs in the opening over as Sahibzada Farhan finally got off the mark in style.
After four dot balls, he launched a floaty full delivery outside off over mid-on, sending it racing to the fence.
The powerful stroke eased early pressure and set Pakistan’s innings in motion.
7:30 pm -
Pakistan Openers At Crease
Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan have walked out to open Pakistan’s innings in the Asia Cup 2025 Final. Both carry the responsibility of giving their side a solid start in this high-pressure clash.
For India, all-rounder Shivam Dube takes the new ball to begin proceedings. His opening over will be crucial as early wickets could shift momentum instantly in this high-stakes contest.
7:27 pm -
Teams line up for Anthem
Nothing captures national pride quite like the Pakistan anthem before a high-stakes clash. As the players lined up for the Asia Cup Final, the sound of the anthem echoed across the stadium, igniting emotions among fans.
7:26 pm -
Pitch Report
India have opted to bowl first, a move Simon Doull says reflects their strong chasing record against Pakistan in T20Is. Ravi Shastri noted the pitch could slow down due to minimal grass, making batting trickier later.
Both experts believe a target of 170–180 would be highly competitive in a final.
Shastri stressed that India’s strengthened batting lineup gives them confidence to chase, while Doull added that such a score would put under serious pressure on the opposition.
7:21 pm -
Stadium Packed With Fans
A massive fan turnout is expected for the Asia Cup 2025 Final between Pakistan and India, with the Dubai International Stadium set to host a full house.
The electrifying atmosphere reflects the excitement of millions who consider this clash much more than just a cricket match.
7:25 pm -
Playing XI
India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
7:20 pm -
Another handshake snub?
There was no handshake at the toss, nor a captains’ photo with the trophy, adding an unusual twist to the high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash.
7:15 pm -
Bumrah Shares Tournament Thoughts
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah reflected on the Asia Cup journey, calling it “exciting” and “interesting” as it’s rare to face one opponent three times in a multinational tournament. He highlighted his new role of bowling more in the powerplay, something he last did when he entered the side in 2016, adding that he is eager to contribute in any way the team requires.
Bumrah also stressed the importance of mindset in T20 cricket, saying every game begins from zero regardless of reputation. He credited the IPL for boosting youngsters’ confidence, noting that India’s focus remains firmly on their own strengths and combinations rather than worrying about opponents.
7:14 pm -
No Hardik Pandiya for India in the Finals
Unfortunately, Hardik misses out with a niggle. Harshit and Arshdeep miss out. Rinku and Dube come in.
7:01 pm -
Toss Updates
Salman and Suryakumar are out there for the toss. Suryakumar has the coin. Heads is the call by Salman, and tails it is.
India will bowl first.
This looks like a good wicket, Suryakumar says and that there has not been a lot of cricket here, meaning it should not change much.
The brand of cricket they have been playing, they have to continue that, he adds.
7:01 pm -
Hardik Missing from Warm-Ups
As India gets into their warm-up routine, one key player is reportedly absent—Hardik Pandya. While his teammates go through their pre-match drills, Pandya has been on the sidelines, watching from a distance.
In other news, there are indications that both the toss and the presentation ceremony might be handled by two separate people, possibly to accommodate interviews with both Indian and Pakistani team members.
7:00 pm -
Captains poses with Trophy
Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, posed next to the Asia Cup trophy ahead of the final showdown with India. Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was notably absent from the frame.
6:59 pm -
Dubai Weather Updates
The Emirates National Center of Meteorology has forecast sweltering conditions for Dubai, with daytime temperatures soaring between 38 and 43 degrees Celsius.
Although the mercury will dip slightly in the evening, players will still face a tough endurance test due to high humidity levels. Fortunately for fans, no rain is expected, ensuring uninterrupted cricket action.
6:57 pm -
How to Watch Online?
The final match of the Asia Cup 2025 is about to start between the arch-rivals India vs Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium.
This will be the first encounter of India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final in 41 year history.
Here’s how to watch online in your respective region.
6:56 pm -
Players to Watch: Pakistan
Shaheen Shah Afridi: The former Pakistan captain has bounced back to form, shining in the crucial victory over Bangladesh.
Though he didn’t take wickets in the two matches against India, the 25-year-old left-arm fast bowler claimed eight wickets across the other three games, highlighted by a Player of the Match performance against Bangladesh where he took 3-17.
6:55 pm -
Players to Watch: India
Abhishek Sharma: A rising star in India’s highly competitive T20 batting lineup, 24-year-old Sharma is one to watch in the Asia Cup.
He boasts a remarkable career strike rate of 198 in T20s—the highest among all batters—and has scored two centuries and five half-centuries in the format.
Recently, Sharma has been in outstanding form, hitting half-centuries in three consecutive innings, including a crucial knock in India’s Super Fours win over Pakistan.
6:50 pm -
Team News: Pakistan
Pakistan is expected to field the same XI that secured victory against Sri Lanka.
Predicted Pakistan Line-up: 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.
6:45 pm -
Team News: India
The defending champions are likely to stick with the same lineup that secured victories over Pakistan in both the Group and Super Four stages.
Predicted Indian Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
6:40 pm -
India vs Pakistan: T20I Head-to-Head
Since their first encounter in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, India and Pakistan have faced each other 15 times in T20 internationals.
India have dominated the rivalry, winning 12 matches, including the thrilling 2007 opener which was tied and decided in a Super Over.
Pakistan’s three wins have mostly come on home-like conditions, with two victories in Dubai.
6:35 pm -
How many times have India and Pakistan won the Asia Cup?
Pakistan has won the Asia Cup twice, in 2000 and 2012, and has reached the final five times.
India are seven-time champions, with 11 final appearances to their name.
6:30 pm -
‘He Can Do Whatever He Wants’
Responding to reports that India’s Suryakumar Yadav declined to join the pre-final captains’ photoshoot with the tournament trophy, Pakistan captain Agha kept it straightforward.
“He can do whatever he wants,” Agha said.
“As for me, I’ll follow the tournament’s protocol. If he doesn’t want to come, that’s his choice. What can I do about it?”
6:25 pm -
Agha Backs Saim Ayub
When asked if Saim Ayub would make the final XI despite a string of low scores, Pakistan captain Agha expressed strong confidence in the young all-rounder.
He praised Ayub’s overall contribution, saying, “Saim has the talent and potential to represent Pakistan for the next 10 years.”
Agha added, “You have to back players like him. Even during this lean patch with the bat, he’s been making an impact with his bowling and fielding. I’m counting on him to deliver a big innings in the final.”
6:20 pm -
Pakistan Unfazed by Indian Media Criticism, Says Captain Agha
Pakistan captain Agha has dismissed the impact of negative coverage from the Indian media, saying his team remains focused on their goal.
“We can’t control what’s being said in the media about us,” he remarked.
Agha emphasized that the team is not distracted by outside noise.
“We’re here to play good cricket and win the Asia Cup. That’s the focus we’ll have when we step onto the field tomorrow.”
6:10 pm -
‘Never Seen Two Teams Avoid a Handshake,’ Says Agha
Addressing the recent controversy over players skipping the traditional handshake, Pakistan captain Agha expressed his surprise and disappointment.
“I’ve been playing cricket since 2007, and I have never witnessed a match where both teams refused to shake hands,” he said.
He recalled that even during times of intense political tension, India and Pakistan players have always shown sportsmanship.
“India and Pakistan have faced tougher political situations but still shook hands. So, for players not to shake hands doesn’t reflect well on the spirit of cricket,” Agha added.
6:05 pm -
Agha on Managing Emotions: ‘Can’t Take Away a Fast Bowler’s Aggression’
Turning to the topic of emotions and aggression ahead of the high-pressure final, Pakistan captain Agha was asked about his role in controlling his players’ behavior on the field.
He responded firmly, “It’s up to each individual. If a player wants to show aggression on the field, then why not? If I take away a fast bowler’s aggression, what else does he have?”
Agha added that while he trusts his players to manage themselves, he draws the line at disrespectful conduct.
“I give my players freedom, as long as their behavior isn’t disrespectful to opponents or our country.”
He emphasized the importance of balancing passion with sportsmanship in the intense battle ahead.
6:00 pm -
Powerplay Plans: Agha Keeps Pakistan’s Strategy Under Wraps
When asked about Pakistan’s shift to bowling fast bowlers in the powerplay, moving away from their earlier approach of using spinners, captain Agha chose to keep things close to the vest.
With a smile, he said, “I can’t reveal our strategy for the final here. We adapt based on the conditions. When the pitch was slow in earlier games, we used spinners. When the ball didn’t turn much, we relied on our fast bowlers.”
Pakistan’s approach remains flexible, with tactics shaped by the pitch and match situation.
5:55 pm -
Final Line-Up Will Depend on Pitch Conditions, Says Agha
Following a high-scoring thriller where both teams crossed the 200-run mark, Pakistan captain Agha was asked whether power-hitter Hasan Nawaz might return to the XI for the final, after being dropped post the Group A clash against India.
Agha, however, remained non-committal.
“It depends on the pitch for the final,” he said.
“We’ll assess the conditions before making any decisions. We can’t pick a team just based on what happened last night.”Pakistan is expected to take a flexible approach, tailoring their line-up to suit the surface and match situation.
5:50 pm -
Agha Responds to Criticism Over Batting Form
With questions turning to his underwhelming run in the tournament, Pakistan captain Agha addressed concerns over his batting, having scored just 64 runs in six innings, with a top score of 20.
“I’m fully aware of my performances and am working hard to get better,” he said.
Acknowledging the importance of strike rate in T20 cricket, Agha added that it shouldn’t be the only metric used to judge a player.
“Yes, strike rate matters in this format, but the context of the game and what the team needs at the time are just as important,” he explained.
Agha remains confident that with the right approach, both his form and Pakistan’s results will improve.
5:45 pm -
Why Pakistan Hasn’t Beaten India in Asia cup?
Pakistan captain Agha is facing tough questions about his team’s failure to beat India, despite strong performances against other sides—including a tri-nation T20I series win.
Reflecting on their recent defeats to India, Agha kept it simple:
“We made more mistakes and hence lost the last two matches.”
“A Pakistan-India match is one where the team making fewer mistakes wins. So if we cut down on our mistakes tomorrow, I’m sure we will win,” he said.
With the final ahead, Agha is hopeful that sharper execution will finally tilt the contest in Pakistan’s favor.
5:40 pm -
Pakistan Unbothered by Indian Media Ahead of Final
Pakistan captain Agha has downplayed any impact from calls in the Indian media to boycott the final clash, saying his team remains focused on the game, not the noise.
“They can say whatever they want,” Agha said when asked about the media rhetoric.
Speaking about the high-stakes nature of the final, he acknowledged the pressure but believes both sides will feel it equally.
“Finals bring a different level of pressure, but we will try to win the game,” he added.
With tensions running high, Pakistan seems determined to keep its focus on performance rather than headlines.
5:35 pm -
Abhishek vs Shaheen
India’s rising T20 star Abhishek Sharma has so far had the upper hand against Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, dominating their encounters in both matches of the tournament.
Across 14 deliveries faced from Afridi, Abhishek has hammered 31 runs, including three sixes and two fours, making the left-arm quick look unusually vulnerable.
With another high-stakes clash looming on Sunday, all eyes will be on whether Shaheen can turn the tables.
“It’s exciting the way both [Abhishek and Shaheen] play their cricket,” said India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel. “Shaheen is an aggressive bowler and will try and knock you over, and Abhishek is not going to hold back. Let’s look forward to the battle on Sunday.”
5:30 pm -
India Unfazed by Bumrah’s Form, Confirms Morkel
Despite Jasprit Bumrah not being at his most lethal in the Asia Cup so far, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel says there’s no concern within the camp.
“We want to use him to take wickets with the new ball,” Morkel said of Bumrah, who has taken five wickets in the tournament to date.
Highlighting the importance of early breakthroughs in T20 cricket, Morkel added: “The key in T20Is is to take wickets, so we want to use our best fast bowler for it. If you get the opposition six or seven down before the powerplay is up, you’re making your life a lot easier.”
Calling Bumrah “one of the best bowlers in the world,” Morkel reaffirmed that India will continue backing him in his role as a new-ball strike weapon.
5:28 pm -
India’s Pacers to Maintain ‘Aggressive’ Strategy, Says Morkel
India’s fast bowlers will stick to their attacking approach despite conceding runs early in the innings, bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed.
Morkel, a former South African all-rounder, said the team is focused on taking early wickets, even if that occasionally leads to a higher scoring rate for opposition batters.
“If you look at the trend in the tournament so far, the scoring rate slows down after 10 overs,” he explained. “The new ball comes on nicely, and the margin for error is quite small.”
Acknowledging the high economy rates, Morkel added that the pacers would continue to “take the aggressive route” in their pursuit of early breakthroughs.
5:20 pm -
Morkel Dismisses Injury Fears Over Pandya, Abhishek
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has downplayed injury concerns surrounding Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma.
Pandya left the field clutching his hamstring after bowling just one over and did not return for the rest of the match. However, Morkel clarified that it was due to cramps, not a serious injury.
Abhishek Sharma, currently the tournament’s top run-scorer, also battled cramps during the game.
“We’ll assess their fitness for the final on Saturday,” Morkel said Friday night.
5:17 pm -
Welcome to Live Coverage of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final
Hello and welcome! We’re thrilled to have you with us as we count down to one of the most highly anticipated matches in cricket history – the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan, just about to happen in a while.
It’s the ultimate showdown that fans, broadcasters, and organizers have long dreamed of – a title clash between two of the fiercest rivals in world cricket.
5:07 pm
