DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first against India in their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, setting the stage for one of world cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
The contest, billed as the highlight of the group phase, carries significance beyond points, with both teams viewing it as a psychological marker ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.
Pakistan and India enter the game unbeaten, having recorded comfortable wins against Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
According to AccuWeather, temperatures in Dubai are expected to reach 39–40°C during the day, with a “RealFeel” of 44°C due to intense sunshine and humidity.
Pitch Condition and Weather
By nightfall, conditions will remain sticky, hovering around 30°C, with winds gusting up to 33 km/h offering little relief. Air quality has been rated “very unhealthy.” No rain is forecast, ensuring a full contest.
The surface at Dubai traditionally offers balance between bat and ball. Fast bowlers may find movement early with the new ball, while spinners are expected to dominate as the match progresses.
Dew is likely to appear later in the evening, favouring teams batting second. Ground staff confirmed that one of the centre pitches has been prepared for the blockbuster encounter.
Indian spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to enjoy assistance from the surface, while Pakistan will look to Abrar Ahmed and young left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.
Pakistan, India Head-to-Head
For the first time since 2020, the arch-rivals meet in a T20 international without former stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, ushering in a new era featuring emerging stars alongside seasoned campaigners.
India’s batting will be led by captain Suryakumar Yadav and opener Shubman Gill, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are tipped to play key roles.
Pakistan’s hopes rest on the aggressive partnership of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Haris at the top, backed by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early breakthroughs. Pakistan’s last Asia Cup victory over India came in Dubai in 2022.
In T20 internationals, the head-to-head record strongly favors India, who have won 10 out of 13 encounters, while Pakistan have managed just three victories.
In the Asia Cup T20 format, the two sides have met three times, with India securing two wins and Pakistan claiming one.
The Asia Cup has historically been dominated by India, who have lifted the trophy seven times. Pakistan, two-time champions, will be hoping to narrow the gap as both sides target top spot in Group A and a smoother path to the knockout rounds.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed.
India Playing XI
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah.
