Key points
- Pakistan aims to overcome psychological pressure
- Pakistan’s middle order must play aggressively
- Super-Four round features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
ISLAMABAD: As the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage commences from September 20, the cricketing world is gearing up for high-voltage clashes featuring Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The first Super Four match will see Sri Lanka take on Bangladesh on Saturday, followed by another much-awaited Pakistan vs India face-off on September 21 at the Dubai International Stadium.
After a challenging start to the tournament that exposed some glaring weaknesses, Pakistan is determined to bounce back and secure a crucial victory over its archrival India.
WE News English identifies critical areas Pakistan must concentrate on to turn the tide in their favour against India in the upcoming Asia Cup Super Four clash.
Overcoming psychological barriers
Pakistan’s players have historically appeared tense and unsettled when facing India, often succumbing to the immense pressure of the rivalry. This time, maintaining composure will be crucial. Treating the match as a routine fixture rather than a high-stakes battle could enable Pakistan’s batsmen and bowlers to perform at their peak.
The performance of the opening duo, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, will be pivotal. Saim, struggling with three consecutive ducks, must find form and anchor the innings. Farhan, who has shown resilience, needs to convert his starts into substantial scores to provide a solid platform for the middle order.
Aggression in the middle order
Pakistan’s middle order requires a more assertive approach. Young talent Hassan Nawaz has a golden opportunity to showcase his abilities, while experienced players Fakhar Zaman, captain Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Haris must contribute with both stability and attacking intent.
Despite the slow and mild-fast conditions in Dubai, experts advocate giving Harris Rauf another chance. Known for his pace and aggression, Rauf must refine his line and length. His mix of bouncers, short-pitched deliveries, and slower balls could prove instrumental in dismantling India’s batting lineup.
Discipline in bowling
Containing India to under 150 runs, if they bat first, will be crucial. Pakistan must cut down on extras, especially wides and no-balls, which have proven costly in previous matches. A disciplined bowling performance will increase pressure on Indian batsmen and help keep the scoreboard manageable.
If Pakistan bats first, aiming for at least 175 runs is essential. Such a total would provide their bowlers with a defendable score and place India under pressure during their chase.
Much depends on Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the trump card, while Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, and in-form Saim Ayub, alongside skipper Salman Ali Agha, must bowl aggressively in the middle overs to secure crucial breakthroughs.
Learning from past mistakes
Pakistan’s batting collapsed under pressure in the previous match, with poor shot selection and nerves leading to early dismissals. The team has since worked on mental toughness and composure, especially among specialist batsmen. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late fiery innings, hitting sixes, demonstrated the pitch’s batting-friendly nature, underscoring the need for the top order to capitalise.
Players like Sahibzada Farhan have shown grit against India’s strong bowling attack. With a mix of youthful energy and experience from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Haris, Pakistan looks poised to field a more confident and balanced batting lineup.
Bowling adjustments and tactical plans
Led by Saim Ayub’s wicket-taking ability, Pakistan’s bowlers will aim to tighten their lines against key Indian batsmen such as Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma. Smarter field placements and early breakthroughs will be vital in unsettling the Indian innings.
Cricket is a game of momentum. Pakistan believes that with early wickets and disciplined bowling, they can shake India’s confidence and create opportunities to dominate the match.
The historic rivalry adds an electric atmosphere to every encounter. Pakistan’s players are eager to erase the memory of their earlier defeat and use this fresh Super Four stage as a platform to channel their passion and determination into a winning performance.
Asia Cup 2025 super four fixtures
The Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 20 with Bangladesh facing Sri Lanka, both teams advancing unbeaten from Group B after Sri Lanka’s win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.
From Group A, India and Pakistan secured their spots following Pakistan’s victory against the UAE. The much-anticipated second clash between India and Pakistan is scheduled for September 21 in Dubai. India currently leads the rivalry, having won the earlier group-stage encounter.
Pakistan will have a rest day before playing Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, while Bangladesh faces back-to-back matches against India on September 24 and Pakistan on September 25, both in Dubai.
The Super Four concludes with India versus Sri Lanka on September 26 in Dubai. The top two teams will then compete in the final on September 28. Points from the group stage will not carry over to this round.
