ISLAMABAD: The cricketing cosmos is once again buzzing with anticipation as India and Pakistan prepare to write the next chapter of their timeless rivalry in the T20 Asia Cup 2025.
Few fixtures in sport match the emotional gravity, drama, and sheer electricity that this contest brings, where every ball is a battle, and every moment, a memory in the making.
With the desert lights of Dubai International Stadium set to glow on Sunday, fans around the world are strapping in for another epic encounter.
But before the coin flips and the first ball is bowled, let’s rewind the reel and revisit three unforgettable India-Pakistan Asia Cup clashes, matches etched into the soul of cricket’s greatest rivalry, and still whispered about in streets, stadiums, and living rooms alike.
Harbhajan’s Fire and Fury – Asia Cup 2010, Dambulla
Result: India won by 3 wickets with 1 ball remaining
In a game that had everything – runs, collapses, tempers, and a dramatic finish, Harbhajan Singh emerged as the unlikely hero with the bat, smashing a six off Mohammad Amir in the final over to seal victory.
Chasing 267 set by Pakistan, India looked comfortable with Gautam Gambhir (83) and MS Dhoni (56) anchoring the chase. But a flurry of wickets had India wobbling at 219-6.
Enter Suresh Raina and Harbhajan, who brought India within touching distance. With 7 needed off 4 balls, Bhajji launched Amir over midwicket for six, then turned and roared at Shoaib Akhtar, who had earlier exchanged words with him, a celebration that became part of Asia Cup folklore.
Score Summary
Pakistan: 267 all out (Salman Butt 74, Kamran Akmal 51)
India: 271/7 (Gambhir 83, Dhoni 56, Harbhajan 15* off 11)
Afridi’s Last-Over Magic – Asia Cup 2014, Mirpur
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket with 2 balls to spare
This was vintage Shahid Afridi at his explosive best. India’s 245, built on Rohit Sharma’s 56 and Ravindra Jadeja’s late 52, looked competitive, especially after a mid-innings collapse from Pakistan.
But Afridi, with just tailenders for company and 9 runs needed off 4 balls, pulled off a heist for the ages.
Facing Ravichandran Ashwin in the final over, Afridi smashed two consecutive sixes, sending Pakistani fans into delirium and leaving Indian players shell-shocked.
He followed it up with a kiss on Junaid Khan’s cheek in celebration, a gesture still replayed in Asia Cup highlight reels.
Score Summary
India: 245/8 (Rohit 56, Jadeja 52)
Pakistan: 249/9 (Hafeez 75, Afridi 34 off 18)
Kohli’s Grit vs Amir’s Fire – Asia Cup 2016, Mirpur (T20 Format)
Result: India won by 5 wickets
It was Mohammad Amir’s comeback Asia Cup, and he made it count with a sensational opening spell that sent India’s top order into panic mode.
Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Suresh Raina were dismissed within the first three overs, all thanks to Amir’s menacing swing bowling.
But where others fell, Virat Kohli stood tall. Calm, composed, and calculative, Kohli weathered Amir’s storm before guiding India towards the modest target of 84.
His knock of 49 off 51 balls wasn’t flashy, but it was match-defining, especially on a tricky surface. India chased the total in 15.3 overs, but the early drama made it one of the most tense low-scoring thrillers in recent memory.
Score Summary
Pakistan: 83 all out (Sarfaraz Ahmed 25, Pandya 3-8)
India: 85/5 (Kohli 49, Amir 3-18)
Ready for Round Four?
As India and Pakistan gear up to clash again in Dubai for the 2025 edition, expect nothing less than fireworks. Whether it’s personal duels, last-over drama, or unexpected heroes, these two teams bring out the absolute best (and worst) in each other, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
The question is: will this year’s clash add another chapter to this legendary rivalry?
Match Reminder
India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025
Sunday, September 14 | Dubai International Stadium
