New Delhi: Ask any Indian or Pakistani player, and they would call the final ‘just another’ game. But it is anything but a normal game as two of the fiercest rivals in cricket history lock horns against each other in one of the most anticipated finals. India and Pakistan will go up against each other for the third time in the tournament when the two teams lock horns in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 28.
Despite having enjoyed contrasting campaigns, the two teams find themselves pitted against each other in one final battle for glory. While India, the holders, have been the outright favourites right from the start of the tournament and have successfully lived up to the tag with their domination on the field, Pakistan have once again somehow managed to pull off the right results at the right time to end up in the right place.
Not many would have believed Pakistan would have stood a chance of making it to the final after losing twice to India in the group stage and the Super 4, respectively. But as fate would have it, the Men in Green once again managed to defy the odds to huff and puff their way into the final of the tournament.
But the final is unlike their two meetings earlier in the tournament. With war metaphors dominating the build-up, verbal exchanges spicing up the contest, and political undertones setting up, the final is set for what promises to be a dramatic climax. With pressure boiling through the roof and the stakes at an all-time high, it would take more than just cricketing skills for India or Pakistan to come out on top.
Keeping raw emotions in check will be the key in battle of egos
An India-Pakistan final is unlike any other in sports. Millions glued to their television screens across the world, and thousands cheering at the peak of their voice inside the stadium, there is nothing like it in any sport, let alone cricket. India head into the final as overwhelming favourites, having twice beaten their arch-rivals in the group stage and the Super 4 stage of the tournament.
The incredible quality in their ranks and the talent in their line-up also make India the team to beat in the final. But it will take nothing less than a special effort to beat Pakistan a third time straight in the final. After being a no match for India in the group stage, Pakistan showcased intent and courage in the Super 4 meeting, but even their best wasn’t enough to stop the Indian juggernaut.
However, the equation changes in the final. The record becomes mere numbers, and what matters is which team turns up on the day. More than the skills and flair on the pitch, the team that can keep their raw emotions in check might come out on top in the high-pressure final.
India have lost only thrice in 15 meetings against Pakistan in T20Is, winning their last four encounters in a row. However, when it comes to playing major finals, Pakistan have an edge. India have won only three out of ten high-stakes finals against Pakistan, with the last major final between the two sides in the Champions Trophy 2017, ending in a defeat for the Men in Blue.
While Pakistan have often been blamed for failing to soak in the immense pressure of playing against India in a final, it is India who have struggled more in title deciders. India have never won a final against Pakistan in the UAE and the pressure will be there on Suryakumar Yadav & Co., with the law of averages also favouring Pakistan in the summit clash.
India’s bowling will have to step up
The only unbeaten team in the tournament so far, India have enjoyed a magnificent run in the Asia Cup 2025, dismantling every opponent before suffering a minor slip-up against Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 game. But there was a major silver lining for India from their Super Over win against Sri Lanka as their untested middle order fired all guns blazing in the game.
Sanju Samson came to the party, while Tilak Varma continued his impressive run at no.4. Their failure to defend 202, the highest total in the tournament so far, also handed India a reality check that might benefit them ahead of the final.
However, bowling remains a major issue. India have failed to deliver as a unit with the ball in the tournament so far. Jasprit Bumrah, in particular, has been targeted effectively by the Pakistan batters and has looked far from his best against the arch-rivals. His performance in the Powerplay will hold the key as early wickets will help India ease pressure in the final.
Kuldeep Yadav has been exceptional in the tournament so far and has a brilliant record against Pakistan. However, riding alone on his shoulders won’t help India’s cause. India will need more from the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel with the ball if they are to stop Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
India have played some terrific cricket in the tournament so far and would hope to cap off their phenomneal unbeaten campaign with a third successive victory against Pakistan to clinh their second straight Asia Cup title in Dubai on Sunday.