Tag: Asia Cup 2025

DUBAI: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the sixth match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Playing XIs

India XI: Abhishek Sharma,  Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf,  Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

Both teams have faced each other 13 times in the T20I format. India have won 10 matches out 13 encounters, whereas Pakistan have only managed to win three games.

For context, Pakistan and India are set to face each other for the first time since the escalated tensions in May.

India and Pakistan have both started their Asia Cup 2025 in a dominant way, with the former beating UAE by a hefty margin of nine wickets, whereas the latter crushed Oman by 93 runs to set up an intriguing showdown between them.

READ: Pakistan players to watch out in Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

Former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted several Pakistan players who could change the course of the match against India, particularly mentioning Sufiyan Muqeem as a potential hero in the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash.

Sharing his views regarding the blockbuster clash on his  YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed his excitement to watch Pakistan batters Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub.

“From Pakistan’s side, the two players I’m most excited to watch are Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub. I want to see how they handle the Indian bowling attack. If both of them bat well, then Pakistan will have a decent chance,” Ashwin said.

The 38-year-old heaped praise on left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem as a game-changer for Pakistan, highlighting his potential.

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“As for an hero from Pakistan, it could be Sufiyan Muqeem. He didn’t bowl that well in the last game and he’s a bit inconsistent, which makes things tricky in T20 cricket. But I’m curious to see how Pakistan grooms him and how he approaches the game, so I’ll be watching closely to see how he performs,” he said.

For context, Pakistan and India are set to face each other for the first time since the escalated tensions in May.

India and Pakistan have both started their Asia Cup 2025 in a dominant way, with the former beating UAE by a hefty margin of nine wickets, whereas the latter crushed Oman by 93 runs to set up an intriguing showdown between them.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Pakistan players to watch out in Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

DUBAI: Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle has joined the chorus of voices building up to the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gayle shared his excitement about the encounter, calling it a new chapter in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.

“It’s the #IndvsPak game again & it always brings excitement for fans across the globe,” Chris Gayle wrote.

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“Both teams have moved on from their superstars, and it’s the new era for the rivalry. The atmosphere will be great & hope for a cracker of a game. #AsiaCup2025.”

The former T20 trailblazer, who has played against both nations at the highest level, underlined how the rivalry continues to thrive despite the transition away from iconic names like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, and Mohammad Rizwan.

The highly anticipated showdown will be the first T20I meeting between the two sides since India edged out Pakistan in a tense, low-scoring thriller during the World Cup 2024 in New York.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Both teams come into the contest in strong form. India dismantled the UAE in their opening match, bowling them out for just 57 and chasing the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan brushed aside Oman with a 93-run win on Friday.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Key update on Pakistan’s Playing XI ahead of India clash

DUBAI: Pakistan team management reportedly plans to keep the same playing XI for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match against arch-rivals India.

Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 with a thumping victory against Oman.

According to team sources, selectors and management have agreed to stick with the winning combination that helped Pakistan seal a commanding victory in their opening fixture.

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The only potential change they might make is including fast bowler Haris Rauf in the lineup.

The final decision regarding his inclusion will be made after evaluating the pitch conditions at the Dubai International Stadium later today.

Likely Playing XI of Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, skipper Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

It’s worth noting that the hype surrounding the fixture is at its peak, with both sides entering the contest in strong form.

Just like Pakistan, India also kicked off their campaign on high after bowling out the UAE for just 57 runs before racing to the target in 4.3 overs.

In head-to-head T20I history, India hold the edge with 10 wins in 13 encounters.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Shoaib Malik shares key advice for Pakistan ahead of India clash

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has shared his perspective on what the Green Shirts must do to defeat India in their blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 showdown.

Speaking on a local sports show, Malik underlined the importance of Pakistan striking early with the ball to dent India’s formidable batting lineup.

“The toss is not in anyone’s control, not even Pakistan’s,” Malik remarked. “But the best chance is if Pakistan can remove three to four of India’s top batters quickly and restrict them to a low score.”

“If they can bring India’s total down to around 150–160, that’s a situation where Pakistan can win.”

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The seasoned all-rounder also pointed to the middle overs as a decisive phase, where spinners could turn the tide in Pakistan’s favour.

“The second scenario is in the middle overs,” Malik explained.

“If spinners like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed can pick up three wickets each, that could open the game up. Because whether India bats first or second, if their batters don’t lose wickets, you are never really in the contest.”

The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter is set for later today at the Dubai International Stadium.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

It will mark the 14th T20I contest between the two sides, with India holding a dominant record of 10 wins from 13 matches.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: India suffer injury scare ahead of Pakistan clash

DUBAI: India vice-captain Shubman Gill gave his team a brief injury scare on the eve of the high-voltage ACC Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan, Indian media reported on Saturday.

Gill, who struck an unbeaten 20 in India’s tournament opener against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week, was reportedly struck on the hand during practice.

According to the report, the right-hander appeared in discomfort and walked off the field after being examined by the physio.

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Moments later, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen in discussion with Gill, as opening partner Abhishek Sharma also accompanied him.

However, the concerns were eased when Gill returned after a short break and resumed batting practice.

The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter is set for later today at the Dubai International Stadium.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

It will mark the 14th T20I contest between the two sides, with India holding a dominant record of 10 wins from 13 matches.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Pakistan Women’s team sends best wishes to Men ahead of India clash

Members of the Pakistan women’s team and coaching staff have extended their heartfelt support and best wishes to the men’s side ahead of the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against India.

Head coach of the women’s team, Mohammad Wasim, expressed confidence in the Green Shirts, noting the positives from their recent tri-nation series.

“Pakistan played some really good cricket in the tri-series, and I am hopeful they will deliver against India as well,” he said. “We are eagerly waiting for this big game and wish the boys the very best.”

All-rounder Aliya Riaz encouraged the men’s team to play with spirit and pride.

“Best of luck to the boys’ team, play well and make the nation proud,” she said.

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Top-order batter Iram Fatima also shared her support and extended her best wishes.

“Our best wishes and prayers are with Pakistan. We hope the players perform well and come out on top,” she stated.

Meanwhile, experienced campaigner Natalia Pervaiz also echoed similar sentiments.

“We have full confidence that the Pakistan team will showcase their best cricket in this crucial match,” she said.

The hype surrounding the fixture is at its peak, with both sides entering the contest in strong form.

India bowled out hosts UAE for just 57 runs before racing to the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan posted 160-7 and dismissed Oman for 67 in 16.4 overs.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

In head-to-head T20I history, India hold the edge with 10 wins in 13 encounters.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Dubai Police issue strict advisory ahead of Pakistan-India clash

Dubai Police have issued a stern advisory to spectators ahead of the blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled later today at the Dubai International Stadium.

In an official statement, authorities made it clear that any act of violence, abusive language, or racist behaviour inside the venue will not be tolerated.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Events Security Committee, cautioned that offenders could face one to three months in prison along with fines between AED 10,000 and AED 30,000 (PKR 750,000 to 2.3 million).

#News | Dubai’s ESC Urges Asia Cup Fans to Respect Laws and Embrace Sportsmanship

Details:https://t.co/2ErXwPZ6NY#ESC #YourCommitmentourHappiness #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/2QG4SFrwt9

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) September 13, 2025

Police officials urged fans to maintain discipline and enjoy the contest in a positive spirit, stressing that violations will result in immediate legal consequences to safeguard spectators and preserve the atmosphere inside the stadium.

The hype surrounding the fixture is at its peak, with both sides entering the contest in strong form. India bowled out hosts UAE for just 57 runs before racing to the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan posted 160-7 and dismissed Oman for 67 in 16.4 overs.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

In head-to-head T20I history, India hold the edge with 10 wins in 13 encounters.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: Sri Lanka cruise to six-wicket win over Bangladesh in Asia Cup

ABU DHABI: Former champions Sri Lanka launched their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh here on Saturday.

Chasing 140, the islanders got home with 32 balls to spare, with Kamil Mishara hitting the winning runs.

Mishara, a newcomer to the side, remained unbeaten on 46 to see his team across the line.

A blazing 95-run stand off just 52 deliveries for the second wicket between Pathum Nissanka (50) and Mishara provided the backbone of the innings.

Mishara arrived at the crease after Kusal Mendis fell in the second over. He took time to settle but soon cut loose, cracking Shoriful Islam for three consecutive boundaries.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Nissanka compiled his 16th half-century before holing out in the deep. By then, Sri Lanka had the game firmly in their grip.

The platform for the win was earlier built by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who throttled Bangladesh to under 139-5 from their 20 overs.

Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara struck with the new ball, sending down two maidens and removing both openers. By the third over, Bangladesh were nought for two and never recovered.

Sri Lanka’s fielders played their part too, with Mishara’s direct hit from deep square leg running out Towhid Hridoy to deepen the rot.

At 53-5 at halfway, Bangladesh were reeling, as leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, returning from injury, stamped his class with two for 25.

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A spirited unbroken 86-run stand for the sixth wicket between Jaker Ali (41) and Shamim Hossain (42) gave Bangladesh something to bowl at, but it was never enough to trouble Sri Lanka’s powerful batting unit.

Defending champions in the T20 format, Sri Lanka, now head to Dubai for their next clash against Hong Kong on Monday.

“We knew that we had to just score seven runs an over, and when I walked i,n Pathum asked me to take my time. Once the loose balls were on offer, I played a few shots. I have been working very hard on my game. Happy to have helped my country win a game,” Mishara said.

“This is not a 140 pitch. We should have scored much more than that. They put us under pressure during the Power Play, and we never recovered. Our next game against Afghanistan is a must-win clash. We will try our best,” Bangladesh captain Litton Das said.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar takes veiled jibe at Saim Ayub after duck against Oman

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar appeared to take a veiled dig at young opener Saim Ayub after the left-hander fell for a golden duck in the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman.

Ayub’s stay lasted just one ball as he misjudged a delivery that kept low while attempting a pick-up shot.

Struck on the back leg, he opted for DRS, but ball-tracking showed the delivery crashing into middle stump. Pakistan were reduced to 4-1 inside the first over, with Ayub walking back alongside the lost review.

Speaking during a post-match discussion on a local sports platform, Shoaib Akhtar underlined the importance of reading the game and settling at the crease, rather than relying on flamboyance.

“For a batsman, it’s about feeling the ball on the bat, judging the placement, the length, the bounce, and adjusting technique accordingly,” Akhtar said.

“You don’t need too much movement. Within two to four balls, a batter gets the feel. It’s not about playing no-look shots; it’s about understanding the game.”

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While Akhtar did not mention Saim Ayub directly, his remarks seemed to point towards the youngster’s costly first-ball dismissal.

Despite the early setback, Pakistan went on to dominate the contest. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris played a blistering knock of 66 off 43 balls, laced with seven fours and three sixes.

Contributions from Sahibzada Farhan (29), Fakhar Zaman (23),* and Mohammad Nawaz (19) helped Pakistan post 160/7 in 20 overs.

In response, Oman collapsed under relentless pressure, folding for just 67 in 16.4 overs.

The bowling unit fired in unison as Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Faheem Ashraf grabbed two wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Nawaz chipped in with one apiece.

The comprehensive 93-run victory gave Pakistan a flying start to their campaign, moving them to second in Group A with two points and a healthy net run rate of +4.650.

READ: Barcelona’s Hansi Flick blasts Spain over Lamine Yamal injury issue