Dubai: The Asia Cup 2025 has already delivered its share of drama from off-field controversies like ‘Handshakegate’ to on-pitch thrillers but nothing quite matches the electric anticipation of an India-Pakistan clash. Just a week after India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group A opener here, the arch-rivals are set to renew hostilities in the Super 4 stage. This rematch isn’t just about India looking to continue its dominance; it’s a high-stakes battle that could shape the road to the Sept 28 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India won 11 of the last 14 T20 meetings between the two sides, including four of the last five. The psychological advantage, recent head-to-head momentum, and superior team balance make India the clear favourites, but Pakistan’s trademark unpredictability ensures this remains cricket’s most anticipated contest. The defending champions and T20 World Cup holders were clinical in the group stage, barring their shaky outing against Oman in Abu Dhabi on Friday. They thumped UAE by nine wickets in their opener before chasing down Pakistan’s 128 with 25 balls to spare, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 and Kuldeep Yadav’s 3/20. Against Oman, however, they were far from their best and scraped through with a 21-run victory to top the group. The match did allow India to give some of their untested players valuable game time, but at a cost. In the game against Oman, allrounder Axar Patel suffered a nasty fall while attempting a catch in the deep, hitting his head on the ground. The 31-year-old appeared visibly shaken and took no further part in the match. “I have seen Axar; he looks fine now at this point in time,” reassured India’s fielding coach T Dilip after the game. If Axar is ruled out, India will likely have to revisit their three-spinner strategy and bring in either Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh. Although Washington Sundar and Riyan Parag are in the reserves, they are not currently with the squad, and the quick turnaround between games could complicate matters. India will also hope for Shubman Gill to return to form. The opener was dismissed cheaply in his last two innings, and a big score in a high-pressure clash would be reassuring for selectors who have long-term plans for him. Pakistan, meanwhile, started their campaign with a whimper against India but roared back with a seven-wicket win over UAE. Fakhar Zaman’s explosive knock (50 off 36 balls) and Shaheen Afridi’s all-round heroics, including a late batting cameo, sealed their Super 4 berth. Every player in this India side can turn a game on their day, but three names stand out as potential difference-makers. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting at the top could set the tempo inside the Powerplay, from where Surya and other batters can take the game beyond the opposition’s reach. Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs will once again be gold dust for India. The ace pacer has a knack for dismantling batting line-ups, and Pakistan are no exception. And then there’s the wily Kuldeep Yadav, who habitually does well against Pakistan. “There is always the motivation to do well against them. Obviously, it is because of our history,” he said the other day. The mystery spinner took eight wickets at just six runs apiece in four matches, and his spell could once again tilt the balance. The Dubai pitch has averaged 7.5 runs per over in first innings across the last 36 T20s, not a flat belter, but with enough true bounce to reward strokeplay. Teams chasing have won 60% of games here recently, so both captains may prefer to bowl first under lights. Buoyed by momentum and depth, India clearly hold the edge. But Pakistan thrive in the chaos of this rivalry, expect a much closer contest than the group stage. If Fakhar fires and Shaheen swings, this one could go right down to the wire. Regardless, this is a rivalry where statistics often bow to passion.
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