Harry DaviesHarry Davies
The Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 is being held in the UAE, games are being played in these places (primarily Dubai and Abu Dhabi) from September 9 to 28. For those who are yet to follow up for this Year Asia Cup and what is happening in it here is initially little description for future readers as well.
This year features 8 teams divided into two groups of 4, with the top 2 from each advancing to the Super 4s stage (a round-robin among the 4 qualifiers). The top 2 from Super 4s play the final on September 28.
What happened?
India and Pakistan cricket match one of the most watched games in sport category whenever these two country come face to face any sports or competition views skyrockets and thrill maximizes. Similar things happened in Sep 14 when India crushed Pakistan in group stage match by winning with huge margin of wickets i.e 7 and with 4 overs remaining.
For further details you can read the match overview from Esports. As this match progressed and we have finally completed the group stage current standings are:
Group A standings:
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India (A1) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +4.793 |
| Pakistan (A2) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +1.790 |
| UAE | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -2.500 |
| Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -3.200 |
Group B standings:
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (B1) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +2.150 |
| Bangladesh (B2) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +0.850 |
| Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +0.200 |
| Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -3.500 |
Now India and Pakistan have both managed to qualify for further matches the chances of them meeting in the final is very likely but let’s discuss this more.
Super 4s Schedule (Key Matches for IND vs PAK Final Scenario)
- Sep 20: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (B1 vs B2)
- Sep 21: India vs Pakistan (A1 vs A2)
- Sep 23: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (A2 vs B1)
- Sep 24: India vs Bangladesh (A1 vs B2)
- Sep 25: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (A2 vs B2)
- Sep 26: India vs Sri Lanka (A1 vs B1)
- Sep 28: Final (Top 2 teams)
Chances of India vs Pakistan in the Final
As of today, the probability is moderately high but not guaranteed. Around 40-50% based on current form, historical trends, and expert predictions. India enters as clear favorites to top the Super 4s (and win the tournament), given their unbeaten group stage, superior Net Run Rate (NRR), and depth in batting/bowling.
- Why it’s possible: Both teams only need to finish in the top 2. If India wins at least 2 of their 3 (vs PAK, BAN, SL), they’re likely
1. Pakistan needs 2 wins (vs IND, SL, BAN) or favorable NRR to edge into
2. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are strong but inconsistent. SL has momentum from group wins, but BAN struggled early. A SL-BAN stalemate on Sep 20 could open doors. Historically, Indo-Pak finals (like 2018 Asia Cup) draw massive hype, and both sides have beaten the others recently. - Predictions from sources: Early tournament picks favor India to lift the trophy. For the final specifically, analysts see IND vs PAK as a “dream scenario” but predict India advancing over PAK due to head-to-head edge. Pakistan’s upset potential (e.g., their 2022 T20WC win over IND) keeps it competitive.
If India beats Pakistan on Sep 21, it boosts IND’s top-2 lock while pressuring PAK to win both remaining games.
Hurdles for Pakistan and India
Both face a tough round-robin against quality opposition. No easy games—all 4 teams are Asian powerhouses.
- India’s Hurdles:
- Form and Pressure: Unbeaten so far, but the Sep 21 clash vs Pakistan is high-stakes—another loss could dent momentum (though unlikely given their 7-wicket group win). Pakistan’s pace attack (e.g., Shaheen Afridi) could exploit India’s middle order if dew factors in night games.
- Key Opponents: Bangladesh (strong spin, recent form) on Sep 24 and Sri Lanka (balanced side, high NRR) on Sep 26. India must maintain batting fireworks (e.g., from openers like Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill) and avoid complacency. Injury risks to stars like Virat Kohli could hurt.
- Overall: Minimal hurdles if they replicate group dominance, but NRR could decide ties. They need 4-6 points to secure top 2.
- Pakistan’s Hurdles:
- Recent Loss and Momentum: The group-stage defeat to India exposed batting fragility under pressure. They must reverse that on Sep 21 or risk early elimination—losing it means needing wins vs SL and BAN, plus better NRR than the loser of SL-BAN.
- Key Opponents: India (first up, revenge motive), Sri Lanka (Sep 23, SL’s spin could trouble PAK’s aggressive style), and Bangladesh (Sep 25, even matchup). Pakistan’s bowling is potent, but inconsistent batting (e.g., reliance on Babar Azam/Fakhar Zaman) and fielding lapses are weaknesses.
- Overall: Bigger hurdles—need at least 4 points (2 wins) without relying on others’ results. Their +1.790 NRR gives a buffer, but a poor showing vs IND could see them crash out (as scenarios post-group loss suggested).
In short, India’s path is smoother (favorites in all 3 games), while Pakistan must overcome their IND hoodoo and deliver upsets.
How Fans Would React
An India-Pakistan final would ignite unprecedented frenzy, amplifying the tournament’s Indo-Pak rivalry—often called the “mother of all battles” in cricket. Expect global viewership to spike (past clashes hit 500M+ viewers), with social media exploding.
- Excitement and Hype: Fans from both sides would be ecstatic—Indian supporters celebrating a “destined” clash after their group win, Pakistani fans rallying behind underdog spirit (e.g., memes about “revenge” post-Sep 21). Neutral Asian fans would tune in for the drama. Pre-final buzz: Street celebrations in Lahore/Delhi, packed stadiums in UAE (despite neutral venue), and viral content (e.g., fan roasts, predictions).
- Mixed Reactions from Recent Group Match: The Sep 14 IND win drew polarized responses—Indian fans jubilant (“perfect reply” per players), Pakistani fans heartbroken and humorous (e.g., pleas to “boycott” rematches or claims of “no return” for efforts). Some controversy (e.g., no-handshake post-match) fueled debates on sportsmanship amid geopolitical tensions.
- If It Happens: Passionate but tense—chants, fireworks, family divides. Wins would trigger nationwide parties; losses, memes and debates. Overall, positive for cricket’s popularity, though some fans (per Al Jazeera reports) urge treating it as “just a game” to avoid over-politicization. Expect divided opinions online, with hype justifying the buildup despite mixed pre-tournament sentiments.
