Asia Cup in Dubai: India require 147 to win in high-stakes final clash with Pakistan

Pakistan all out!

After a promising start, Pakistan’s players began tumbling, as India’s Kuldeep took a four-wicket haul, adding on to his reputation as the highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cup tournament.

India now require 147 to win, as Pakistan all out for 146 with five balls left , a dramatic collapse after a strong start!

Ninth wicket down

Wickets tumbling like dominoes!

Jasprit Bumrah strikes, dismissing Haris Rauf with a perfect yorker. The ball scorches in full, tailing into off stump, and Rauf can’t get his bat behind it, just pokes helplessly and is out.

Bumrah finally gets his name on the scoresheet, and India’s dominance continues.

4-wicket haul for Kuldeep

Faheem Ashraf walks in and is gone without troubling the scorers! He skies one straight to Tilak Varma off Kuldeep Yadav and departs for 0 off 2 balls.

The pressure is mounting on Pakistan, and even TV pundit Waqar Younis remarks that their batting looks like a schoolboy’s effort under the lights.

What a collapse!

Seventh wicket down

Kuldeep Yadav strikes, trapping Shaheen Shah Afridi in front. A full-length googly outside off catches Shaheen as he steps across, misses the swing, and is hit on the pad. The ball looked like it might be missing leg, but Kuldeep persuades his captain to review, and the decision goes India’s way.

No contact with the bat, and Shaheen is out!

Salman Agha out

Wickets are dropping in a matter of minutes, and Pakistan is now under intense pressure. Although the Men in Green were off to a strong start, India’s bowlers are clearing through the Green Shirts quickly as all eyes on an unpredictable, high-stakes finale.

Fifth wicket! 

Pakistan is suffering in the crucial middle overs as wickets fall in quick succession. India’s Axar gets his second wicket, as Talat falls trying an ambitious slog sweep. Pakistan’s innings is unraveling quickly.

Fourth wicket down

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman narrowly misses half-century as India’s Varun Chakravarthy strikes. Kuldeep Yadav executes a beautiful catch.

Yet another wicket!

In quick succession, India gets its third wicket as Axar Patel strikes, dismissing Mohammad Haris who chips it straight to long-off, and India double their success in a flash!

Haris departs for a duck off 2 balls, leaving Pakistan reeling momentarily.

Second wicket down

Fakhar and Saim Ayub had been punishing India with clever running between the wickets, keeping the fielders on their toes. But Kuldeep strikes! He bowls to Ayub, who slices one weakly straight to backward point, and India grab the chance. Kuldeep finally gets his reward, breaking the partnership!

Is India losing hope?

Indian fans are dismayed as Pakistan hits the century-mark, with a good mix of fours, sixes and stunning partnerships, with excellent running. The Men in Blue just can not seem to grab a wicket, with less than eight overs left to go. Yadav has also given away two wides, and is now feeling the mounting pressure.

Varma concedes four

Tilak Varma now has the ball and gives away a boundary to Fakhar Zaman; Pakistan is now at 103 runs, and only one wicket has fallen so far. The Men in Green are definitely here to play.

Saim Ayub comes in

Saim Ayub comes on to the field; will he continue the fearless strokeplay after Farhan sets up a good position for Pakistan? Looks likely, as Ayub hits fours in quick succession, determined to capitalise on the momentum.

First wicket down!

Finally, the breakthrough for India!

Varun Chakravarthy strikes, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan who holes out to deep mid-wicket, giving India the breakthrough they had been desperately searching for. Farhan departs for 57 off 38 balls, with 5 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 150.

First half-century

Pakistan’s Farhan seizes the moment as he hits a stunning 50, the first of the match, from just balls. The two openers remain on the field, and their partnership is proving effective for the Men in Green.

With early wickets proving crucial in T20s, India is feeling the heat as Pakistan players show no signs of dropping.

New bat for Farhan

Will the new bat prove lucky for Pakistan’s Farhan? The Green Shirts now face India’s star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is leading the tournament with a whopping 13 wickets taken in Asia Cup.

Pakistan keeps momentum

After Varun Chakravarthy gives away just 5 runs in the 5th over, Axar Patel comes on, conceding eight runs. Pakistan looks to keep the momentum going as the first six overs end in 45 runs, and no wicket has fallen so far.

Farhan in good form

Farhan becomes the first batter in T20I cricket to hit three sixes off Jasprit Bumrah, giving Pakistan a huge momentum boost. So far, he has scored 25 runs off 20 balls.

Samson fumbles!

As Bumrah bowls, Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman is beaten on the outside edge; the ball rolls behind to the keeper, but Samson fumbles, and Bumrah exclaims in disappointment.

India’s Dube shines

Dube shines, as the pacer refuses to give much runs to Pakistan in the Powerplay’s third over, getting into the batsmen’s mind, and coordinating fielding tactics.

Another boundary

The pressure is on! India’s Jasprit Bumrah concedes a boundary to Pakistan; fans on both sides are gripping the edge of their seats, with some cheering and some disappointed but hopeful as the game continues.

First over underway

Shivam Dube bowls first, as Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman open innings for the Green Shirts. In a decent opening over, Dube starts tight with four dot balls, but on the fifth, Farhan unleashes a beauty – giving Pakistan their first boundary.

National anthems ring out

Fans and players alike rose as the Pakistani national anthem was played, followed by the Indian anthem. With hands on their heart, eyes closed, players soaked in the moment ahead of their fight to grab sporting glory for their nations. What a touching scene as the stadium fills with a hush!

Taking inspiration from Morocco

Pakistani expat Mohshin is married to Ghizlan, who hails from Morocco, for more than 10 years now.

The Pakistani-Moroccan couple came to the Dubai International Stadium for Sunday’s match with their son, Salah.

“We are all cricket fans,” Mohshin said. “My wife is from Morocco, even she follows cricket now.”

Ghizlan says she is hooked into cricket now.

“I never watched cricket because nobody follows this sport in my country. But after marrying him, I started following the game and now I am in love with it,” she said.

Mohshin hopes Pakistan will draw inspiration from his wife’s Moroccan national team which produced a fairytale run to the 2022 Fifa World Cup semifinals in Qatar.

“That was amazing to see, the way her football team played in Qatar,” he said. “Today I hope Pakistan will do something similar and cause a big upset against India!”

India’s Abhishek Sharma fans

Abhishek Sharma’s fireworks with the bat have already earned him many fans in cricket.

Among them is Dubai resident Varun who came for Sunday’s final with his friend Sanjay.

“We are not only here to support India, but we have also come here to see the batting of Abhishek Sharma. He is such an exciting young player,” Varun said of Abhishek, the highest scorer in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Sanjay says he feels lucky to be a Dubai resident.

“India vs Pakistan is a great rivalry in cricket. We are hoping for a very good cricket match. And we also feel lucky to be living in Dubai which gives us an opportunity to watch these big games,” he said.

No handshake continues

After India refused to shake hands with Pakistan in their first two matches, the final followed the same pattern. Both teams walked off the field without the customary handshake, and minimal interaction, as the atmosphere remains tense in their first tournament since a major military escalation earlier in the year.

Last-minute changes

India’s Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, will not be playing, and Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh have come in. Pandya missed out on the game due to an injury, forcing a last-minute reshuffle in the line-up.

Player XI revealed for both sides

Toss outcome

India wins the toss; captain Suryakumar Yadav chooses to bowl in the final toss of the Asia Cup tournament.

Love for cricket in a family

Dubai resident Usman’s family is in love with cricket. But they were not confident of their team’s chances until Salman Agha’s men reached the final.

“Everyone in our family is a cricket fan, but we didn’t expect Pakistan to be in final. But now that are in the final, we have come here to support the team,” said Usman who came with his wife, two children and niece.

“India is a very strong team, so Pakistan have to play really well today. I think a lot will depend on how well ShaheenLove for cricket in a family Afridi bowls today.”

Lucky kid gets ball from Indian support staff

Rows of spectators were cheering on, hoping for the young child to be able to get a souvenir he will never forget. Watch a video here:

Dubai humidity alert!

According to the weatherman, the humidity is high in Dubai today, with a dew point of 73°F (23°C) making the air warm and sticky. Fog or mist could also roll in. As evening sets in, the humidity may rise further, potentially adding a tricky twist to conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Could the toss be a factor?

So far, dew hasn’t played a major role in the Asia Cup, but one thing remains crucial: the toss. Captains who win it are likely to chase, and history shows that chasing under pressure can be the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Suryakumar Yadav has won the toss only once during the tournament while Salman Ali Agha has called it right twice.

Interestingly, toss outcomes have not been decisive in Dubai, with teams batting first and second each winning five matches, but this is the final.

Which captain will win the toss today?

Photos: India, Pakistan fans pose together

Adorned in their national colours, these fans are here to root for their teams, but also to celebrate the love and emotions that bind cricket.

Morkel’s game plan for India

India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, knows the key to victory: bowl with laser-like accuracy and unleash the occasional surprise yorker to keep the Pakistani batsmen guessing.

However, Morkel emphasises improving fielding at night, targeting a key weakness in the Asia Cup. India has dropped 12 catches, the most among the eight teams. Their catching efficiency is 67.5 per cent, second-lowest and just above Hong Kong’s 52.7 per cent.

Will Team India rise to the challenge and turn Morkel’s advice into a winning edge in the final?

Pakistan team warming up

Across the field, the Green Shirts could be seen warming up. They were smashing shots around, and balls were spinning as they practised between wickets.

From Uganda to Dubai

Among the thousands of fans that flocked to the stadium hours before the start of the match on Sunday, a group of Indian fans dressed in traditional African attire grabbed attention.

While Manish flew from Uganda, his friend Ashwin arrived from London to support India in the final against Pakistan.

“Our family left India 120 years ago during the British era and our forefathers were working in the railway in Africa,” Manish told the Khaleej Times.

“We are Ugandans, but the blood is still India. That’s why we are here today to support the Indian cricket team.”

Arshdeep warming up

India’s Arshdeep Singh is warming up, as fans cheer and whistle for him, attempting to grab his attention.

Third time lucky?

Pakistan has conquered every team in this Asia Cup… except India. Both group-stage and Super Four clashes against their arch-rival slipped away from them.

However, they punched their ticket to the final with a commanding win over Bangladesh in Thursday’s semifinal. Now, can they finally overcome the India jinx and lift the trophy?

Traffic update

Parking lots are filled as spectators line the Dubai stadium, and cars are still rolling in. Security forces have been deployed, ensuring that the situation does not spill into chaos.

Indian cricketers begin warm-up

Indian cricketers have starting walking on the field to begin warm-up ahead of today’s big clash. Rinku Singh could be seen smashing shots into the net as cheers erupted from the stands.

T20 scores of India-Pakistan

Here is a full timeline of when India and Pakistan have gone head-to-head in T20 format, according to the Olympics website.

Indian players to watch out for

Abhishek Sharma: All eyes on this batter as he will, in all likelihood, go all guns blazing like his previous outings. With 309 runs under his belt, Abhishek is the highest scorer in the Asia Cup, and his consistent form, adaptability, and match-winning attitude make him a player to watch.

Jasprit Bumrah: Leading the Indian bowling pack, the fast bowler faced criticism after conceding 45 runs in 4 overs against Pakistan in the Super Four. But he bounced back against Bangladesh, claiming two early wickets. All eyes will be on him tonight: can Bumrah redeem himself, or will the Green Shirts expose him again?

PCB files complaint against India’s Arshdeep

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against India’s leading T20I wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh for his ‘obscene gesture’ during the fixture between the two arch-rivals on September 21 in Dubai at the ongoing Asia Cup, according to Samaa TV sources.

Painted faces, painted hair!

It’s still nearly two hours before the game, yet the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is already alive, pulsing with energy. Tricolours and crescents ripple in the afternoon sun, painted faces cheer in unison, and the hum of expectation rises with every passing minute.

Pakistan players to watch out for

Haris Rauf: Dropped from the first match against India, this Pakistani pacer was in stunning form during his team’s second encounter with the arch-rival. Usually serving as the frontline during T20s, Rauf has played brilliant overs, conceding very little. Overall, he has taken 9 wickets in the Asia Cup tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan: His fiery performance was the talk of the town during the last India-Pakistan clash. Long touted as an emerging talent, he scored a superb 58 off 45 balls, with three towering sixes, helping the Men in Green put up a fight. Expect a similar aggressive style of batting, minus the gun salute, and the Indian bowlers will need to dismiss him early, as Farhan thrives under pressure.

Two hours to go

Preparation remains underway, as specialised teams continue work on the pitch with just two hours left to go for the Asia Cup final.

Both sides fined

The lead-up to today’s Asia Cup final has been filled with controversies. In their first tournament since the military conflict earlier this year, the teams made some comments and gestures that set social media abuzz.

Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf was fined 30 per cent of his match fees after videos of his response to spectators by lifting his fingers to indicate “6-0” went viral. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan was let off with a warning for his ‘gunshot’ celebration during that match.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for his comments after the Asia Cup 2025 group league fixture against Pakistan.

Suryakumar had dedicated India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan at the Asia Cup to the “bravery” of India’s “armed forces” and said the team “stood with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam (terror) attack”.

Quick weather check

It’s going to be humid by night, and that means more moisture on the pitch. Swing and seam bowlers are going to love the condition, while spinners might find the ball slipping a bit in their grip. Batters need to watch out — unpredictable bounce could make things tricky. Nothing’s stopping play, no rain on the radar tonight. UAE’s intense summer has given way to autumn, which means there is no danger of rapid pitch deterioration due to extreme heat. Game on!

Heading to the stadium? Don’t carry these items

As you prepare to enjoy your day out, and witness a grand sporting moment, safety remains the first priority. Ensure that you have not brought any item on the banned list. Unsure of what’s not allowed? Here’s what Dubai authorities have prohibited:

• Fireworks, flares, laser pointers, and any flammable or hazardous materials.

• Sharp objects, weapons, toxic substances, remote-controlled devices.

• Large umbrellas, camera tripods/rigs, selfie sticks, and unauthorised professional photography.

• Banners, flags, or signs not approved by the organiser.

• Pets, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and glass items.

• Any act that endangers public safety, disrupts order, or promotes hate or racism

India’s spate of sloppy fielding

India has showcased some sloppy fielding in the tournament as the team spilt a whopping 12 catches, leading to backlash by fans and sports figures alike. Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra questioned the Indian coaches, questioning his ability to make the players practice for appropriate real-world conditions.

India’s Abhishek tops tournament runs

Point to prove

Pakistan, on the other hand, have a point to prove. They may have lost to India twice in this tournament, but now all that matters is the final. If they win this, they will go home as champions, leaving India empty-handed, which will be ironic after India’s refusal to shake their hands in the previous matches of this tournament.

A lot will depend on their pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Fresh from two back-to-back three-wicket hauls, Afridi is beginning to bowl like the Afridi of old. If he can get a few early wickets, Pakistan will seriously put India’s middle-order under pressure.

India’s strengths

The team is known to have amazing consistency – this is India’s fifth final appearance in a major tournament since 2023. They have won three of the four previous finals — 2023 Asia Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Their only failure in the final came against Australia at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

With the red-hot opener Abhishek Sharma, the tournament’s top-scorer, leading the batting charge, India will fancy their chances against Pakistan, a team they have beaten in seven straight matches since 2022 October.

Blue, green sea

Entire families are turning out in their national team’s jersey, with some sporting face paint in their colours. Yet others have their flags proudly draped around themselves, ready to wave at every roaring sixer, and every opposing team’s wicket.

Public safety alert issued

A public safety alert has been issued for everyone in the stadium, cautioning fans to adhere to the instructions of private and police security. Only valid tickets will be accepted, and fans must enter through assigned gates according to organiser instructions, the alert read.

‘Jeetega, bhai, jeetega’ cheers erupt

Cheers of “jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega” are erupting, and can be heard in waves across the stadium.

Seats are quickly filling up despite the searing heat. Historic sporting rivalry aside, fans from both sides are sitting comfortably together in harmony.

First India-Pakistan final in 17 Asia Cups

Despite locking horns countless times in Asia Cup group stages and Super Four matches (in both ODI and T20 formats), India and Pakistan had somehow never faced each other in an Asia Cup final… until today!

Yes, you read that right, all those epic battles and edge-of-your-seat finishes; however, the big showdown only happens now. Here’s a brief look at some previous Asia Cup T20 finals:

2016 in Dakha, Bangladesh

India vs Bangladesh. India won by 8 wickets.

Notable fact: It was the first Asia Cup played in the T20I format, ahead of the 2016 ICC World T20.

2022 in Dubai, UAE

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan. Sri Lanka won by 23 runs.

Notable fact: Sri Lanka scored 170/6 and bowled out Pakistan for 147, claiming their 6th Asia Cup title.

Indian, Pakistani fans unite

The cricketers may not see eye-to-eye, but the fans have come together on Dubai grounds in a literal representation of ‘unity in diversity’. With Indian and Pakistani expatriates making up the majority of the UAE population, friendships often extend across borders, despite rivalries.

Security checks

Security checks are tight, as the gates are officially open. Earlier, Dubai authorities issued an advisory on the list of items that visitors are prohibited to bring into the stadium.

The Dubai Events Security Committee (ESC) urged fans to embrace sportsmanship and follow all rules and regulations.

Pitch prep

Ground staff can be seen heading on to the field, preparing the pitch. Spectators are trickling into the stadium — the fervour is at increasing with just a few hours left to go for what promises to be an exciting clash.

Who’s likely to win?

Is it India, the only unbeaten team of the tournament, who beat Pakistan twice in the group stages and the Super Four?

Or will you back the unpredictable Pakistan to deliver a fairytale finish after they almost came close to boycotting the tournament over a handshake controversy in the first match against India on September 14? Stay tuned for an analysis of the two team’s strengths.

All roads lead to Asia Cup!

The anticipation is real. Eager fans are queuing as the intense sporting rivalry between India, Pakistan culminates in the Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This is what the area looked like at 3.15 pm, just a few minutes before the gates opened at 3.30pm:

India, Pakistan set for historic clash today!

Tonight, Dubai will witness cricketing history! After 41 long years, India and Pakistan are finally clashing in an Asia Cup final, and the excitement is off the charts. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is sold out, and we expect to see a riot of colours and fans buzzing with excitement, waving flags, chanting, and living every ball and every run.

Despite boycott calls earlier this year due to the war between the two nations, cricket lovers have turned out in full force. And yes, politics may have sneaked in, and players fined for gestures and comments, but tonight, it’s all about the game.

Now, it’s all set for the big showdown, and you can bet millions around the world will be glued to their screens, hearts racing with every twist and turn.

It’s more than just a match — this is about pride, glory, and a lot of rivalry that only India-Pakistan cricket can deliver. Buckle up, because tonight promises drama, passion, and memories to last a lifetime.

www.khaleejtimes.com (Article Sourced Website)

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