India and Pakistan will square off in Asia Cup final. Photo: AP
India and Pakistan will lock horns in the historic Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday (September 28). This will be the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that they will square off in the final. Both are former Asia Cup champions. India have a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the ongoing tournament. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side embarrassed Pakistan in the league stage and registered a one-sided win over them. The Men in Blue kicked off their Super 4 journey with another win over Pakistan.
On the eve of the final, Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha talked about his team’s embarrasing defeats against India. Speaking to the media, he said: “Humne India se zyada galtiyan ki hai isliye hum India se dono match haare (we lost both matches because we made more mistakes than India).”
Salman accepted that his own performance hasn’t been up to the mark, adding that he is working on it. “I know my performance hasn’t been up to the level it should be, and I’m working on it. But you also have to consider conditions & team requirements. It’s not always about playing at 150 SR — sometimes the situation or pitch doesn’t demand it,” he said.
India’s domination over Pakistan
India and Pakistan first met in the league stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Kuldeep Yadav continued his purple patch and took another three-fer as India restricted them to 127. A combined batting effort from India saw them complete the chase in just 15.5 overs.
Pakistan breached the 150-run mark and scored 171/5 in 20 overs in the Super 4 game against India. Abhishek Sharma slammed a quick 74 off just 39 balls to give India a quick start.
He and Shubman Gill (47 off 28) added 105 runs for the first wicket in 9.5 overs to push Pakistan out of the game early. India completed the chase in 18.5 overs at the loss of four wickets.
India have been undefeated in the tournament so far while Pakistan have suffered two defeats – both against India. India are confirmed to have at least one change in the playing XI for the final.