India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 is set to light up Dubai as one of cricket’s biggest rivalries takes center stage again. Fans around the world are gearing up for the marquee Group A clash of the tournament, which will see defending champions India take on a resurgent Pakistan side.
This will be the second time the two teams meet in Dubai in just six months — the last encounter being during the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, which India won convincingly. With both sides in strong form, this match promises to be a thriller that could decide the fate of Group A.
When and Where is India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025?
The Group A fixture will be played on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Match start time: 6:30 PM local time (14:30 GMT).
This will be a prime-time clash under lights, creating an electric atmosphere that Dubai has become famous for whenever India and Pakistan face off.
Why is the Asia Cup Being Played in Dubai?
India was the official host of the 2025 Asia Cup as per the rotation schedule, but the tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Since 2008, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series, with their contests limited to ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup — and always at neutral venues.
Weather Forecast for the Big Clash
Dubai’s weather is expected to be hot and humid, with temperatures during the day reaching 41°C (105°F). However, since the match starts after sunset, conditions will cool slightly to around 33°C (91°F), making it easier for players to cope.
Partial cloud cover is predicted, and dew might play a role in the second innings — a crucial factor captains will consider during the toss.
India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record
- Asia Cup: India leads the rivalry with 10 wins in 19 matches, while Pakistan has won six.
- Last Match: In February 2025, India beat Pakistan by six wickets at the same venue during the ICC Champions Trophy, thanks to a brilliant century by Virat Kohli.
- Asia Cup Titles: India has won the Asia Cup seven times, while Pakistan has lifted the trophy twice (2000 and 2012).
Form Guide
India’s Recent Form
India enters the game full of confidence after thrashing UAE by nine wickets in their opening Group A match. The reigning T20 World Champions have lost only three of their last 20 T20Is since winning the World Cup in June 2024.
India’s last five results: W – W – W – L – W
Pakistan’s Recent Form
Pakistan is riding high after winning a tri-nation series against Afghanistan and UAE in Sharjah. They have won three of their last five T20I series and seem to have found stability after months of squad reshuffling.
Pakistan’s last five results: W – W – L – W – W
Players to Watch
India
- Abhishek Sharma: The young opener has the highest T20 strike rate (193) among all Indian batters and has already scored two centuries in the format.
- Varun Chakravarthy: The leg-spinner has been a revelation, taking 27 wickets in his last 12 T20Is and providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Back from injury, Bumrah’s pace and death bowling will be key against Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan
- Hasan Nawaz: The 23-year-old batter has been striking at 174 and is seen as the answer to Pakistan’s need for power-hitters in the middle order.
- Sufiyan Muqeem: The left-arm wrist spinner has taken 25 wickets in 17 T20Is and will look to trouble India’s right-handed heavy top order.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan’s pace spearhead has a history of early breakthroughs against India, making him one of the most dangerous players on the field.
Predicted Playing XIs
India Predicted XI
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
Pakistan Predicted XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Wasim
Tickets for India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
Tickets for this high-voltage encounter are still available, starting from $135 for general stands and going up to $4,550 for a two-person hospitality box. Fans can purchase tickets through the official Platinumlist website or directly at the stadium’s ticketing office in Dubai.
Could India and Pakistan Meet Again?
This group-stage clash might not be the last time the two sides face each other. If both teams qualify for the Super Fours, they will meet again on September 21, 2025. And if results go as expected, fans could witness an India vs Pakistan final on September 28, 2025 — potentially three clashes in just two weeks.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 is not just a cricket match — it’s a spectacle, a cultural moment, and a battle of nerves. Whether it’s Kohli, Rizwan, Bumrah, or Shaheen who takes the spotlight, one thing is guaranteed: the cricket world will be watching.
Source: Al Jazeera
