India
Pakistan
India and Pakistan are set to clash once again in the Asia Cup 2025, with their T20I meeting scheduled for September 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The high-voltage encounter comes just a week after India secured a convincing seven-wicket win over their arch-rivals on September 14. Historically, India has held the upper hand in this format, winning 10 of the 14 T20Is played between the two sides, with one of those going India’s way in a famous bowl-out.
With Pakistan eager to bounce back and India looking to extend their dominance, the stage is set for another intense battle under the lights in Dubai at 8:00 PM IST.
Expect under 12.5 sixes overall, with Dubai’s large boundaries and spin-heavy tactics likely to restrict power hitting.
The betting tip is...
Total Sixes - under 12.5 sixes
83 %
17 %
IndiaPakistanIndia head into the September 21 clash with confidence and a settled lineup. Captain Suryakumar Yadav remains the fulcrum of the batting unit, tasked with steering the middle order through his aggressive stroke play.
At the top, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to open once again, with their partnership seen as vital for setting the tone early. The bowling attack gains further strength with Jasprit Bumrah’s presence, offering pace and control in crucial spells.
Kuldeep Yadav, fresh from his 3/18 in the previous meeting against Pakistan, will be central to India’s plans on a Dubai surface known to reward spinners. A spin-heavy approach looks set to be India’s strategy, aiming to exploit the slower conditions and maintain its edge in this rivalry.
India is likely to go with the same playing XI that beat Pakistan in the first match.
Predicted Lineup: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wk) , Hardik Pandya , Axar Patel , Kuldeep Yadav , Jasprit Bumrah , Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan enter the September 21 showdown against India with plenty of questions hanging over their batting order and fitness concerns in the bowling unit.
The absence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has forced a shift in approach, with head coach Mike Hesson prioritising a more aggressive brand of T20 cricket. Salman Ali Agha has been handed the captaincy, tasked with steadying a side still searching for consistency at the top.
Fakhar Zaman remains the standout performer, his 50 off 36 balls against the UAE offering a glimpse of stability in an otherwise shaky top order. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s cameo of 29 off 14 balls in the same match underlined Pakistan’s intent with the bat, though his injury troubles remain a concern after he managed just two overs in the earlier clash with India.
With the ball, the pace trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr will be central to Pakistan’s hopes of keeping India in check.
Predicted Lineup: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
India carries the momentum and depth heading into this clash, with their spin attack well-suited to Dubai’s conditions and their batting looking more reliable than Pakistan’s fragile top order.
Unless Pakistan’s pacers produce something extraordinary, India are favourites to extend their dominance in this rivalry.
