The highly anticipated moment is finally here. After weeks of intense on-field action and even more dramatic off-field controversy, India and Pakistan are set to collide in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 edition. This historic clash, marking the first-ever Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals, will be held at the Dubai International Stadium, with the first ball scheduled for 8 PM IST.
Suryakumar Yadav’s team has maintained an undefeated streak throughout the tournament, securing dominant victories over Pakistan on both previous occasions. However, as the last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka proved, India is not without its chinks in the armour, and the final is expected to be a fiery contest filled with verbal volleys and high-intensity cricket.
The Controversial Undercurrent
The 2025 Asia Cup has been marred by political and ethical drama that has often overshadowed the cricket.
- No Handshake Row: On multiple occasions, the two teams have chosen to skip the traditional post-match handshake, a move that sparked significant controversy.
- ICC Sanctions: The tournament saw sanctions from the ICC. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf was fined for his “abusive behaviour” in the Super 4s match against India. In a parallel development, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, was docked 30 per cent of his match fees for dedicating India’s victory against Pakistan in the group stage to the Indian Armed Forces, linking it to the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
- PCB’s Stance: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also engaged in controversy by demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft and threatening to pull out of the tournament.
Despite the non-cricketing theatrics—including the notable presence of ACC chair Mohsin Naqvi for the finale—it is now time to focus on the game itself. Unbeaten India is the clear favourite, but the high-pressure final is a different beast altogether.
India’s Blueprint for Victory
To ensure the Men in Blue return with the trophy, Suryakumar Yadav’s squad must execute flawlessly in three critical areas:
1. Abhishek Sharma: The Match-Winner at the Top
Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has arguably been the player of the tournament and is India’s most vital cog with the bat.
- Exceptional Form: The young batter, who plays for SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL, has amassed 309 runs in six matches. His consistency is staggering, having registered seven consecutive scores of 30+ in T20Is, a world record he shares with Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan.
- Powerplay Dominance: While other Indian batters have left much to be desired, Abhishek’s primary job is to provide a rollicking start with Shubman Gill and last the entire powerplay.
- Neutralizing the Threat: It is imperative for him to get on top of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf early, as Pakistan’s best chance for a win lies in their pace duo striking inside the first six overs.
2. The Necessary Inclusion of Arshdeep Singh
The debate around India’s team composition, particularly Gautam Gambhir’s preference for eight batters, might cost them. The close shave against Sri Lanka highlighted the urgent need for pure bowlers.
- Must Play: Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has shown his class, especially in the Super Over against Sri Lanka, but has largely warmed the bench. His two appearances came in inconsequential matches against Oman and Sri Lanka.
- New Ball Specialist: India must feature Arshdeep alongside Jasprit Bumrah. As India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 101 scalps, Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball can dismantle Pakistan’s top order and close the game inside the powerplay.
3. The Captain’s Responsibility: Suryakumar Yadav Needs to Fire
Since the group stage match against their arch-rivals, captain Suryakumar Yadav’s bat has been quiet. In an all-important final, his performance at the critical No. 3 spot is non-negotiable.
- Step Up: The skipper needs to show the world why he is considered one of the best T20 batters. His recent poor run needs to end in the final.
- Game Changer: A firing Suryakumar Yadav significantly increases India’s chances. It is widely acknowledged that if he comes good, India will not lose the Asia Cup final.
To ensure their unbeaten run translates into the Asia Cup trophy, Suryakumar’s team must set aside the drama, implement the right team balance by playing Arshdeep, and rely on their two most in-form batters, Abhishek Sharma and himself, to neutralize Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. The stage is set for an epic final where strategy and temperament will ultimately decide the winner.