The 2025 Asia Cup final on Sunday will feature a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, who have already faced each other twice in the tournament, with India emerging victorious on both occasions.
Wasim Akram: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: Historic Clash Awaits
The upcoming India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup final will mark the first summit clash between the two sides in the tournament’s 41-year history. Both teams have faced each other twice in this year’s competition, with India emerging victorious on both occasions. India secured a seven-wicket win in the group stage and followed it up with a six-wicket triumph in the Super Four stage, led by Suryakumar Yadav and his team.
Pakistan earned their spot in the final by defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in their final Super Four fixture, defending a modest target of 136 runs. The India-Pakistan encounters in this Asia Cup have been eventful and controversial, with Suryakumar reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for post-match comments dedicating the group stage victory to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Wasim Akram gears up for IND vs PAK Asia Cup final
Speaking ahead of the Asia Cup final, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram emphasized the unpredictable nature of India-Pakistan encounters. “India definitely is favourite on Sunday. But you’ve seen, cricket lovers have seen, I have seen, anything can happen in this format. One good innings, one spell can change the course of the game. Pakistan team should take this confidence, this momentum to Sunday and back themselves and play sensible cricket,” he said.
Off the field, Pakistan faced disciplinary issues ahead of the final. Pacer Haris Rauf was reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for aggressive gestures during the Super Four clash against India, where he mimicked a plane crash in response to Indian fans’ ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan faced an ICC hearing for a ‘gun’ celebration after reaching his half-century but escaped with only a warning.