DUBAI: The cricket fans across the globe are bracing for another high-voltage encounter as Pakistan and India prepare to meet in the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 International. Traditionally, fixtures between the two arch-rivals have carried enormous weight, often shaped by decades of history and heightened by political undercurrents.
Furthermore, several iconic names will be absent. India’s stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have stepped aside, while Pakistan will line up without Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, and Shadab Khan.
The result is two relatively new-look teams, led by Suryakumar Yadav for India and Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan.
In this regard, the inexperience is telling. In addition, eight of Pakistan’s likely playing XI have never faced India in a T20I, while five of India’s starters are yet to experience the intensity of the contest.
In this sense, both captains, though talented, are seen as transitional leaders rather than long-term flag bearers, raising questions about how much impact they can stamp on a fixture historically defined by dominant personalities.
Moreover, form-wise, both teams enter the contest confidently. India brushed aside hosts UAE in their opening match, dismissing them for just 57 before chasing the target with ease. Pakistan, meanwhile, overcame Oman, though their batting looked less convincing on the same Dubai surface that will host Sunday’s contest.
Additionally, head-to-head, India maintain a commanding record in T20Is, having won nine of their 13 encounters.
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The spotlight for Pakistan will be on Fakhar Zaman, whose history against India in ODIs is well remembered, though his T20 record against them remains modest. Mohammad Nawaz’s all-round form also provides Pakistan with a potential match-winner.
