Dubai [UAE]: Cricket fans are gearing up for a historic showdown as India and Pakistan meet in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (September 28). Organisers confirmed to Geo News that the 28,000-seat venue has sold out completely, ensuring a packed house for one of the most anticipated matches in recent cricketing history.
Record-breaking demand for tickets
The demand for tickets has been unprecedented, reflecting the intensity of the rivalry. During the earlier stages of the tournament, the India-Pakistan group stage clash on September 14 drew nearly 20,000 fans, while the Super Four encounter on September 21 saw 17,000 spectators in attendance.
However, the final will be different — it marks the first time in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup, since its inception in 1984, that both India and Pakistan have advanced to the final together.
Head-to-head dominance
India has so far enjoyed the upper hand in the tournament, winning both their encounters against Pakistan decisively. In T20I history, the Men in Blue have won 12 out of 15 matches against their arch-rivals, further bolstering their confidence ahead of the big game.
For Pakistan, the road to the final has been far from smooth. Skipper Salman Ali Agha and his team almost faced elimination during their Super Four fixture against Bangladesh, but they held their nerve to secure an 11-run victory, keeping their campaign alive.
Injury updates for India
India faced a minor scare in their last Super Four match against Sri Lanka, with Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya suffering cramps and spending long spells on the sidelines. However, team management has confirmed that both players are fit and available for selection in the high-stakes final.
Probable squads
India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
Conclusion
With both sides ready to battle for regional supremacy, the final promises to be a clash for the ages. For India, it is an opportunity to extend their dominance over Pakistan in T20Is, while for Pakistan, the game represents a chance at redemption and rewriting the script on cricket’s most fierce rivalry.