Toss, Team News and Playing XI
Dubai, September 28, 2025 — In a high-stakes Asia Cup Final, India won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to leverage a strong early spell. The match carries a huge twist for India as Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to an injury, a setback that prompts a reshuffle. Rinku Singh has earned a spot in India’s playing XI, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana miss out. Jasprit Bumrah returns to the frontline pace attack along with Shivam Dubey, who makes a comeback as part of three changes in the XI.
India’s official playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dubey, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarti.
Pakistan, meanwhile, stuck with their unchanged lineup. The men in green will rely on their trusted core to respond to India’s aggression and set a platform for a strong finish. Pakistan’s playing XI: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Saibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Harris (wk), Muhammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
What to Expect from the Opening Burst
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill have the responsibility of a blistering start for India. Sharma, in particular, has carried superb form into the final, hitting three consecutive half-centuries to underline his readiness for this stage and delivering runs at a brisk strike rate. Gill, too, has found his touch returning, adding balance to India’s top order and providing the early acceleration that Pakistan will need to check.
Abhishek Sharma’s Form and Opening Pair
Abhishek’s current streak positions him as a potential record-setter in the Asia Cup, with 309 runs already this tournament. If he crosses another milestone in the final, he could become the top Indian run-scorer in multi-nation T20 events, continuing his breakout year and taking pressure off the middle order.
India’s Bowling Strategy
Kuldeep Yadav comes to the fore as the lead spinner with the job of tying Pakistan down in the middle overs. Having claimed 13 wickets in the Asia Cup ahead of the final, Kuldeep is central to India’s game plan, while Bumrah spearheads the pace unit, delivering power at the top and pressure in the death. Varun Chakravarti adds another dimension with his variations, providing India with grip and misdirection at key moments.
Bowling Under Pressure
The Indian attack aims to choke Pakistan’s chase with tight lines and smart field placements. The return of Bumrah brings experience and control at crucial phases, particularly with the field spread and dot balls that sap momentum from the chase.
Pakistan’s Approach
Pakistan will rely on their usual suspects to deliver the chase. With no changes in their squad, they’ll look to Fakhri Zaman and Saim Ayub to set a platform, followed by middle-order support from Haris Rauf’s quicks and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s swing. The key for Pakistan will be to weather the early India pressure and build partnerships that can translate into a competitive total or a tight chase.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
Historically, India has had the edge in India-Pakistan clashes, and business end pressures in major tournaments have often tilted in India’s favor. In this Asia Cup edition, India has beaten Pakistan twice in previous meetings, and the final is seen as a test of nerve, temperament, and strategic execution under pressure.
Live Updates and What to Watch
As the game unfolds, fans will watch for the early breakthroughs, Sharma and Gill’s ability to set the tone, Kuldeep’s control in the middle overs, and Bumrah’s ability to strike with pace. If India’s bowling unit constrains Pakistan’s top-order, the chase could become a measured, inclusive effort with the middle order contributing crucial partnerships.
Reserve Day and Final Takeaway
With a potential reserve day in place in case weather interrupts play, both teams will push hard to close out the trophy on the scheduled day. The final promises an exciting clash of techniques, with India aiming to consolidate their advantage and Pakistan seeking a memorable upset.
