Asia Cup: Will third time be the charm for Pakistan?

All set for a showdown charged with politics, pressure, and fierce sporting rivalry

KARACHI:

The Asia Cup 2025 has reserved its biggest showdown for the finale: arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face off in the tournament's title clash on Sunday night in Dubai — a high-stakes encounter laden with political undertones, on-field tensions, and the weight of history.

Pakistan booked their place in the final with a narrow 11-run victory over Bangladesh, setting up a third showdown in the competition against arch-rivals India — the standout team of the competition so far.

The build-up has been dominated as much by handshake controversies and fiery celebrations as by cricket itself. India, the defending champions, unbeaten in six games this edition, remain overwhelming favourites.

Their batting has been spearheaded by opener Abhishek Sharma, who tops the tournament charts with 309 runs at 51.50, including consecutive half-centuries. On the bowling front, their attack has been led by Kuldeep Yadav, who is the highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets at 9.84.

India's biggest vulnerability has been in the field: 12 dropped catches so far, with some players blaming Dubai's "ring of fire" floodlights.

But with depth across their batting and bowling, they have rarely looked threatened.

For Pakistan, this is a chance to flip the script.

Their batting has been brittle, collapsing to 49 for 5 against Bangladesh before scrambling to a defendable total.

Sahibzada Farhan has been the only consistent performer, scoring 160 runs at 26.66, including a half-century against India in the Super Four clash.

Saim Ayub has endured an unimpressive time with the bat — just 23 runs in six games — though his left-arm spin has fetched eight wickets.

The bowling remains Pakistan's best hope.

Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have both taken nine wickets, their pace and aggression will likely define the contest. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz provide spin options to tie down India's middle order.

The cricket narrative has been overshadowed by political undertones.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has twice refused to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha, while Pakistan players have celebrated wickets with military-style gestures.

Mike Hesson, Pakistan's coach, has urged his players to "just focus on cricket," but the passion has already spilled over.

Shoaibur Rehman Siddiqui, a cricket enthusiast, expressed his excitement for the 17th edition of the Asia Cup final.

"For the first time, the two arch-rivals are going toe-to-toe in the final," he said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

"It is always exciting to see a Pakistan and India game. However, Salman Ali Agha's men need to forget about their fear of losing. Just play freely and think about completing the full quota of 20 overs, and especially avoid losing a wicket in the powerplay."

Shoaib also urged a change in Pakistan's approach.

"Saim should be promoted to open the batting instead of playing in the middle overs. Apart from that, Faheem Ashraf should bowl his complete spell." Commenting on the handshake controversy, he added: "Pakistan should elevate their game so that their opponents are forced to shake hands themselves."

Meanwhile, Haider Imam Siddiqui was hopeful that Pakistan could turn the tide in the final.

"Sahibzada Farhan will be the top performer in the game," he said. "Struggling Salman Ali Agha should be benched in the final for Hassan Nawaz."

Another fervent Pakistan cricket supporter, Ashar, was equally optimistic about the third clash between the arch-rivals in this tournament.

"It is the third game between India and Pakistan, and so far our national team haven't been up to the mark against their arch-rivals," he said. "However, they have the talent and skills to get the job done this time."

Ashar added that Pakistan's bowling attack would hold the key. "Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be crucial for Pakistan in the final."

Fans and former cricketers in Pakistan have called for changes, with suggestions that Hassan Nawaz replace Salman Agha in the XI, and Saim Ayub be promoted to open.

Others believe Faheem Ashraf, underbowled in recent matches, could be key if trusted with his full quota.