The Asia Cup 2025 is underway in the United Arab Emirates, and all eyes are set on the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The match is scheduled for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Predicted Playing XIs

Here are the predicted playing XIs for both teams:

• India: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
• Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.

Odds

As of September 14, 2025, the odds favor India to win. Bet365 has Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy as top bowler at 10/3.

Key Players to Watch

Several players from both sides will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match:

• India:
  • Abhishek Sharma: He is known for his aggressive batting style and high strike rate.
  • Shubman Gill: Gill's return to the format adds firepower to the opening pair.
  • Suryakumar Yadav: An experienced player who has played Pakistan on big stages before.
  • Jasprit Bumrah: His ability to take early wickets will be vital.
  • Kuldeep Yadav & Varun Chakaravarthy: The spin duo could be key on Dubai's slow pitches.
• Pakistan:
  • Saim Ayub & Sahibzada Farhan: These are the new faces expected to take center stage.
  • Shaheen Afridi: His early breakthroughs can be decisive.
  • Hasan Nawaz: Known for his high T20 strike rate.
  • Abrar Ahmed & Sufiyan Muqeem: Their spin attack stands tall.

Head-to-Head Record

In Asia Cup matches (both ODI and T20I formats), India holds the edge over Pakistan:

• Overall Matches Played: 19
• India Won: 10
• Pakistan Won: 6
• No Result/Abandoned: 3

In Asia Cup T20Is, India has won 2 out of the 3 matches played between the two teams.

Additional points

• The Asia Cup 2025 is being held in the UAE from September 9 to September 28, 2025.
• This edition will be played in the T20I format.
• India is the defending champion, having won the 2023 edition.
• The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4s, and the top two teams from that stage will contest the final.
• The absence of stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan marks a transition phase for both teams.
• India has a strong batting lineup and a varied bowling attack, giving them an advantage.
• Pakistan's strength lies in its bowling attack, particularly its spin options.
• Spinners from both sides, including Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufiyan Muqeem, are expected to play a key role.
• The Dubai pitch is expected to favor spin.
• The average first innings score at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is around 145, but a score of 170-180 is considered competitive.
• Dew in the second innings could give the chasing team an advantage.
• Security has been increased, and fans have been urged to follow stadium guidelines.
• India's recent form in T20s has been impressive, having lost only three of the 20 T20s they have played since winning the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
• This match is taking place in the shadow of political tensions and recent events, contributing to a more subdued atmosphere compared to previous encounters.