India enters the match confident after dominating Pakistan earlier in the tournament, relying on a strong batting lineup and versatile bowling attack.
BY PC Bureau
The storied India–Pakistan rivalry is set to light up Dubai once again as the two cricketing giants clash in the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup on Sunday. Beyond the usual high-octane cricketing action, this encounter carries added intrigue following the handshake controversy from their previous meeting, promising both on-field fireworks and off-field drama. Fans across the globe are bracing for a contest that blends skill, strategy, and emotion in equal measure.
India’s Form and Key Players
India enters the Super 4 clash buoyed by a dominant performance against Pakistan earlier in the tournament. Their batting line-up, led by aggressive stroke-makers, has looked formidable in both chasing and setting challenging targets. Players in the top and middle order have been consistent, while all-rounders have provided balance and depth.
The bowling attack, combining pace and spin, has troubled opposition batsmen throughout the tournament. Key spinners have exploited Dubai’s slow track, while pacers have struck in the powerplay and death overs. With confidence high from their previous encounter, India will look to replicate—or even surpass—the emphatic victory from before.
India and Pakistan meet again in the #AsiaCup2025 Super Four stage in Dubai.
Al Jazeera’s @MissSamJohnson takes a look at one of the world’s fiercest sporting rivalries, where politics, money and pure emotion collide on the cricket field. pic.twitter.com/qQzPlsBWtn
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) September 21, 2025
Pakistan’s Challenge
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be seeking redemption. While the team has shown glimpses of brilliance in Super 4 matches, consistency has been a concern. Players like batsmen X and Y and bowler Z will need to step up to overturn India’s advantage and restore national pride.
Expect Pakistan to approach the match with intensity and focus, not just for victory, but to settle scores following the prior handshake controversy. A strong start in the powerplay and building partnerships in the middle overs could be key to tilting the contest in their favor.
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Tactical Battles to Watch
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Middle-order vs spin attack: India’s spinners could target Pakistan’s middle order, which has been vulnerable against quality spin in recent matches. Control of the middle overs may determine the match outcome.
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Powerplay domination: Winning the toss may prove decisive, as both teams aim to exploit the early overs for maximum scoring.
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Handling pressure: With millions watching worldwide, mental toughness will play as big a role as technique. Both sides are capable of turning the game with a single inspired innings or a decisive over.
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Finishing touch: Death over strategies, hitting ability under pressure, and fielding execution will be crucial in a match expected to be closely contested.
Off-Field Drama
The tension isn’t confined to the boundary ropes. After the handshake incident in their last encounter, all eyes will be on players’ conduct, team interactions, and crowd reactions. Media scrutiny will be intense, and any display of sportsmanship—or lack thereof—could dominate headlines. The Super 4 meeting promises a blend of cricketing excellence and emotional intensity, a hallmark of this historic rivalry.
Historical Record: India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Pakistan Wins | Tied/No Result | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup (ODI) | 15 | 9 | 5 | 1 | India dominant in Dubai; several high-stakes Super 4 encounters. |
| Asia Cup (T20I) | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | India unbeaten in recent T20 Super 4 matches; close finishes in 2016 & 2022. |
| Super 4 Stage | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | Includes matches with off-field controversies; India won last Super 4 clash in Dubai. |
| Finals (Asia Cup) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2012 – India won; 2016 – Pakistan edged India in a tight game. |
Key Trends:
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India has maintained a strong edge in Dubai, winning most Super 4 encounters.
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Pakistan occasionally pulls off tight victories, but India has dominated psychological pressure games.
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Off-field controversies, such as the handshake issue, add spice beyond the scorecard.
Prediction & Takeaway
While India may look to repeat their dominant performance, Pakistan will be highly motivated to rewrite the narrative. Fans can expect a match that is fast-paced, fiercely contested, and emotionally charged, reminding everyone why India–Pakistan remains the highlight of every tournament.
Expect moments of brilliance, strategic chess-like battles between captains, and, inevitably, drama that goes beyond the cricket itself. The Dubai Super 4 clash promises entertainment, tension, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
