The Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20 format, and the biggest attraction is the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14. Whenever these two teams meet, the game is packed with drama and intensity. Here are three key battles to watch out for.
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Top 3 Player Duels To Watch
3. Saim Ayub vs Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan’s batting is in transition, with stars like Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan missing out. That puts the spotlight on young opener Saim Ayub, who will be expected to make the most of the powerplay.
India’s Varun Chakaravarthy, experienced in bowling early overs, will aim to stop Ayub before he gets going, whether Pakistan is setting a target or chasing one.
2. Hardik Pandya vs Abrar Ahmed
Hardik Pandya thrives against spin and will look to take on Pakistan’s top spinner Abrar Ahmed. Hardik’s job is to keep India steady in the middle overs and explode at the death.
For Pakistan, Abrar is their most experienced spinner. If he can keep Hardik quiet, it could shift the momentum in their favor.
1. Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Afridi
India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill wants to prove himself in T20Is, and nothing makes a bigger statement than a big knock against Pakistan.
His toughest test will be facing Shaheen Afridi with the new ball. It is their first T20I face-off, and it promises fireworks right from the start.
Three duels, one massive rivalry. These matchups could decide who takes bragging rights on September 14.
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India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana
Reserve Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, Prasidh Krishna
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025:
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
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