Former great of South African cricket AB de Villiers has expressed his regret over the turmoil at the conclusion of India's Asia Cup 2025 win, saying that “politics should never come before cricket.” In his weekly #360 YouTube show, de Villiers discussed the awkward trophy presentation where India would not accept the Asia Cup from the Asian Cricket Council president, who is also Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The India vs. Pakistan tournament already had some controversy, as it was the first time the two rivals had met since the Pahalgam terror attacks. On the field, things were tense as Indian players refused to shake hands and Pakistan cricketers verbally sledged and brought up political contexts. After the match the trophy presentation made it even worse. India refused to accept the trophy, resulting in a weird situation where the team celebrated victory without the trophy, which Naqvi has still possesses days later.

AB de Villiers wants cricket to be separated from politics and also gave a nod to India’s showing

De Villiers – an all-time great – was concerned about how off the field disputes affect players. "Team India sort of weren't happy with who was handing out the trophy. As far as I'm concerned, that doesn't belong in sport. Politics should be aside. Sport is sport, and sport should be celebrating for what it is. It was quite sad to witness, but I'm sure they will get through that at some point. But it does place the sport, the players, the sportsmen, the cricketers in a very tough position, which is what I hate to see. It was quite awkward there at the end." 

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But, De Villiers was positive about India's performance. "So, let's get back to what's the most important thing, the cricket itself. India is looking really, really strong. Building up to that big T20 World Cup - don't forget, it's not too far away. And they look like they have a lot of talent, and they have good in the big moments and so fantastic," he continued.

For ABD, the event served as an important reminder of the perils of blending politics with sport - as doing so can detract from players’ accomplishments and taint the celebrations. The message reinforces the idea that cricket should be a pure contest of skill, talent, and sportsmanship, rather than catapulted into political arguments.

The Asia Cup 2025 trophy row has turned into a major flashpoint between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with chairman Mohsin Naqvi refusing to back down over his handling of the post-final presentation in Dubai.

India defeated Pakistan in the final on September 28 to secure their ninth Asia Cup title, but the presentation ceremony descended into chaos. The Indian team declined to accept the winners’ trophy from Naqvi, who then walked off with the silverware and medals. The incident has since snowballed into an unprecedented dispute between the two boards.

On October 1, Naqvi dismissed reports suggesting that he had apologised to BCCI officials during the ACC’s Annual General Meeting a day earlier.
“Indian media thrives on lies, not facts. I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI, nor will I ever do so,” Naqvi wrote on social media. “If they truly want the trophy, they are welcome to collect it from the ACC office in Dubai.”

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BCCI Pushes for ICC Intervention as Row Deepens

BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar, who attended the AGM, raised strong objections to the manner in which the champions were denied the trophy. According to sources, Naqvi initially avoided congratulating India on their title win, prompting Shelar to intervene before the ACC chief finally acknowledged the team’s unbeaten campaign.

The trophy and medals are believed to still be in Naqvi’s Dubai hotel room, leading to further frustration within the BCCI. With no resolution in sight, the board has indicated it will escalate the issue to the ICC when its members meet in November.

While ACC insiders have admitted that the controversy could have been avoided, the council has stopped short of issuing a formal apology. Naqvi has instead accused India of politicising cricket, further straining already tense ties between the two nations. For now, India’s dominant run in the tournament, where they beat Pakistan three times, has been overshadowed by an off-field standoff that shows no signs of easing.

India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated a special word of praise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after leading his side to a memorable five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday.

Suryakumar Yadav hails PM Modi’s support after India’s Asia Cup victory

Shortly after India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title, PM Modi took to X to congratulate the team with a powerful message that also referenced India’s recent military response to terrorism. “Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” Modi wrote, drawing a parallel between India’s victory on the cricket field and the armed forces’ success in Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives earlier this year.

#OperationSindoor on the games field.

Outcome is the same - India wins!

Congrats to our cricketers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2025

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s words, Suryakumar said it felt as though Modi himself had walked onto the field and batted for India. “It feels good when the country’s leader himself bats on the front foot; it felt like he took the strike and scored runs. When Sir is standing in front, the players will automatically play freely. The whole country is celebrating, and when we go back home, we’ll feel even better and gain more motivation to keep performing,” he told ANI.

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Spinners shine as India wins Asia Cup, Surya praises PM Modi

India’s campaign in this Asia Cup carried heavy political undertones, with the team opting not to engage in customary gestures with the Pakistan contingent as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. The intensity peaked during the final when India refused to accept the trophy directly from Asian Cricket Council chief and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who eventually walked away from the podium with it.

Suryakumar, however, played down the incident. “I won’t call it a controversy. The real trophy is when you win the hearts of people, the trust of teammates, and the support staff. That’s more valuable than anything else,” he said.

On the field, India’s spinners Kuldeep Yadav (4-30), Axar Patel (2-26), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2-30) were ruthless on the slow Dubai track, combining to dismiss Pakistan for 146. Tilak Varma then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69, while Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube chipped in with vital runs to secure the five-wicket win.

For Suryakumar, it was a milestone moment his first major tournament triumph as captain in a high-pressure India–Pakistan final. And with the Prime Minister himself applauding the victory, the skipper admitted the triumph felt all the more special.

With their ninth Asia Cup crown in the bag and momentum firmly on their side, India will now shift focus to upcoming international assignments, carrying both the confidence of an unbeaten campaign and the encouragement of the nation’s leadership.

The cricketing community is gearing up for one of this year's biggest matches, the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, but right before the highly-anticipated match, off-field controversy appears to steal its interrupts the attention.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Arshdeep Singh, India’s left-arm fast-bowler, for allegedly gesturing inappropriately during the Super Four match between the two rival nations.

What Occurred?

According to reports, the alleged incident occurred on September 21, following India’s Super Four victory over Pakistan. Video of Arshdeep possibly gesturing into the crowd was shared on social media and subsequently led to outrage across the border.

The PCB claimed in their complaint how Arshdeep’s actions were “unsportsmanlike, inappropriate and in breach of the ICC Code of Conduct,” and they implored the ICC to pursue strict disciplinary action, as the bowler’s actions undermined the ‘spirit of cricket’.

Although the ICC has not formally announced any publication of the complaint, some reports state that there has improved apprehension of an outcome for the action that Arshdeep is alleged to been done. 

A Tournament Plagued by Issues

The Asia Cup has not been free from controversy. Earlier in the tournament:

• Haris Rauf was penalized with a 30% fine on his match fee for making an incendiary gesture to fans after a complaint by the BCCI. The PCB has confirmed it will be appealing the penalty.
• Suryakumar Yadav, who was captain of India, was also fined 30% of his match fee for dedicating India’s group-stage win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which the PCB deemed to be “politically charged.” Although the BCCI defended Surya’s comments as patriotic, the ICC upheld the fine and warned him about political comments in the future.

These incidents signal how high-stakes this Asia Cup was becoming, losing temper on and off the field.

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Mind Games or Legitimate Complaints?

Cricket experts continue to remain divided on whether or not the PCB’s complaint against Arshdeep is legitimate discipline or an attempt to play mind games and unsettle India before the final.

Former Pakistani cricketers have also supported the assertion, arguing that the standard of player behaviour should always be top-notch in matches of such significance. The Indian commentators view it as "psychological warfare", as if the PCB is trying to divert the attention away from the first two matches in a row that Pakistan had lost to India in this tournament.

The Final Awaits

Despite the commotion, the cricket is still the story for tonight. India will look to complete a hat-trick of wins over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, with some help from Jasprit Bumrah returning to the side, and Abhishek Sharma exploiting a good run of form. Pakistan will be desperate for revenge and redemption.

With the Dubai International Stadium fully sold out and millions of fans tuning in from across the globe, the conditions could not be better. When the two giants of Asian cricket take to the field tonight, the controversy will only add another incendiary element into a rivalry that has been capturing the attention of the world since the tournament commenced.

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: The Asia Cup tournament 2025 has now reached its final stage. The tournament has identified its two top teams: India and Pakistan, who will now face each other in the final match. This will be the third time in this tournament that these teams meet. This match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, at 8:00 PM. In this article, we will explore IND vs PAK playing 11, pitch reports, and key players' stats.

IND vs PAK Final Match Details:

India's Team Preview:

The Indian team has remained undefeated in the tournament so far. First, they won all their matches in the group stage, then won all their Super 4 matches to secure a place in the final. India has previously defeated Pakistan twice in this tournament. India has won its last game against Sri Lanka by a super over. Abhishek Sharma once again played a stormy inning, scoring 61 runs on 31 balls, while N. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten at 49.

The match ended in a tie, and both teams then had to play one more Super Over. Sri Lanka managed only 2 runs in the Super Over, and India won the match on the first ball of the Super Over. All the Indian players will take the field in this big match, aiming to gift the nation a victory on Diwali.

Hardik Pandya's fitness is a major concern ahead of this Mega Clash, according to bowling coach Morni Morkel. Hardik is suffering from normal cramps, and he will be available for the final. 

India's Key players:

Pakistan Team Preview: 

There will be a lot of pressure on the Pakistan team from their fans as they have already lost to India twice in this tournament. Pakistan has a golden opportunity to avenge its last defeat against India, and it wouldn't want to lose it. Pakistan won its last match against Bangladesh by 11 runs, securing its spot in the final.

 In this match, Mohammad Haris was the highest run scorer, scoring 31 runs on 23 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz scored 25 runs. In the bowling section, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took 3 wickets each. Shaheen Afridi was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent all-around performance.

Pakistan’s Key Players: 

IND vs PAK Final Match Probable Playing XI

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, N. Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

Scoring pattern at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai:

Batsmen have a good chance to score early if they get off to a solid start, but the slow pitch demands caution when attempting big shots. Fast bowlers can extract bounce and seam movement in the early overs, especially with the new ball. In night matches, the effects of light and dew become crucial in the second innings, as increased humidity makes it difficult for bowlers—particularly spinners—to maintain their grip.

IND vs PAK Final Match Prediction:

India has won all its matches in this tournament and has defeated Pakistan twice before. Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav are in excellent form for India, and Pakistan has no way to handle them. India is expected to win this match.

IND vs PAK Asia Cup Squad:

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, N. Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh

Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem

India vs Sri Lanka will be the last Super Four match in the Asia Cup 2025. It is scheduled to take place on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium. The two teams have met 30 times in the past, and India carries an upper hand with 21 wins. Sri Lanka has managed to score wins in 9 matches. 

India has already qualified for the final match in the Asia Cup 2025. They have not lost a single game, and that makes them an unstoppable force in the tournament. Sri Lanka is in a tough spot as they have lost both games, and they have no chance to reach the final game.

IND vs SL Match Details

Date: 26th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IND vs SL Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs SL Dream11 Prediction Super Four 6th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters IND vs SL

• Abhishek Sharma (IND) - 248 runs in this tournament 

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) - 154 runs in this tournament 

• Kusal Mendis (SL) - 122 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler IND vs SL

• Kuldeep Yadav (IND) - 12 wickets in this tournament 

• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) - 7 wickets in this tournament 

• Jasprit Bumrah (IND) - 5 wickets in this tournament 

IND vs SL Recent Performance

IND vs SL Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If IND bats first

• First Innings score prediction - IND is expected to score 170-180 runs

• Result prediction- IND will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2- If the SL bats first

• First Innings score prediction- SL is expected to score 140-155 runs.

• Result prediction- IND will win the match by 6 wickets 

IND vs SL Predicted Playing XI

India (IND) Playing XI 

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Sri Lanka (SL) Playing XI 

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

IND vs SL Complete Squad

India - 

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.

Sri Lanka -

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.

IND vs SL Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

India to win

We predict that India will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kuldeep Yadav will be key players to watch out for.

Pakistan and Bangladesh clash in a do-or-die Super Four fixture of Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai. Both teams have been inconsistent to this point and must secure victory here to guarantee their spot in the final. Pakistan kicked off their Super Four campaign with yet another disappointing defeat to India. They recovered with a solid victory over Sri Lanka and now need to beat Bangladesh to book their place in the final. 

On the other hand, Bangladesh have appeared disciplined and organized throughout this Asia Cup campaign. They reached the Super Fours by winning two from three matches, and then maintained that form by defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets in their first game of the second phase.

PAK vs BAN Match Details

Date: 25th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

PAK vs BAN Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs BAN Today Match Prediction– Super Four, Match 4, Who will win today?

Top Batters PAK vs BAN

• Saif Hassan (BAN) - 160 runs in this tournament 

• Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) - 156 runs in this tournament 

• Fakhar Zaman (PAK) - 122 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler PAK vs BAN

• Mustafizur Rahman (BAN) - 8 wickets in this tournament 

• Saim Ayub (PAK) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

• Shaheen Afridi (PAK) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

PAK vs BAN Recent Performance

PAK vs BAN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If IND bats first

• First Innings score prediction - PAK is expected to score 170-180 runs

• Result prediction- PAK will win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2- If the BAN bats first

• First Innings score prediction- BAN is expected to score 140-160 runs.

• Result prediction- PAK will win the match by 5 wickets 

PAK vs BAN Predicted Playing XI

Pakistan (PAK) Playing XI 

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh (BAN) Playing XI 

Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali(w/c), Mohammad Saifuddin, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

PAK vs BAN Complete Squad

Pakistan - 

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.

Bangladesh -

Litton Das (c), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam, Shaif Uddin.

PAK vs BAN Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Pakistan to win

We predict that Pakistan will win this Asia Cup 2025 match. Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be key players to watch out for.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in T20I has provided many thrilling moments, as batters from either side have delivered under pressure. For India, many Indian stars made their names when they smashed quickly made fifty against their old rivals.

In the latest instance, Abhishek Sharma entertained fans in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match by scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is. His blitz of 24 balls helped India win the contest easily, in addition to breaking an old record.

Let’s now review the top five fifties scored by Indian men in T20Is against Pakistan.

5. Gautam Gambhir – 38 balls (2007 T20 World Cup Final, Johannesburg)

In the memorable 2007 T20 World Cup Final, Gautam Gambhir amassed a brilliant, gritty innings of 75 off 54 balls. As the opening batsman, he got to his fifty in just 38 balls vs the quality of the Pakistani bowlers.

Gambhir's innings, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, helped India get to 157 for 5. India would go on to scare the fans with a nervy finish, ultimately winning the first-ever T20 World Cup.

4. Virat Kohli – 36 balls (2022 Asia Cup, Dubai)

In the 2022 Asia Cup clash in Dubai against Pakistan, Virat Kohli showcased his class scoring a fluent 60 off 44 balls. He went to the fifty mark in 36 balls with a terrific six off Mohammad Hasnain.

Despite Kohli's brilliant innings, Pakistan chased down the target but his composure and timing throughout the innings caught everyone's attention.

3. Virat Kohli – 34 balls (2016 T20 World Cup, Kolkata)

In 2016 at Eden Gardens, Kohli once again showcased his run-chase mastery, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 37 balls leading India to a six-wicket win chasing 119.

Kohli got to his half-century in just 34 balls, mixing in elegant drives with a controlled aggression. Kohli was named Player of the Match, which only adds to his, now formidable, list of performances against Pakistan in big matches.

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2. Yuvraj Singh – 29 balls (2012, Ahmedabad T20I)

For a significant period, Yuvraj Singh had the record for India's fastest fifty against Pakistan in T20 internationals. He displayed his trademark hard-hitting style with a score of 72 runs off 36 balls during the opening game of the T20I series held in Ahmedabad in 2012, which consisted of four fours and seven sixes.

He reached the fifty mark after 29 balls with a six off Sohail Tanvir. Yuvraj's innings completely flipped the match in India's favour and, appropriately, he was awarded the Player of the Match title.

1. Abhishek Sharma – 24 balls (2025 Asia Cup, Dubai)

The most recent entry at number one on the list belongs to Abhishek Sharma. In the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai, the young opening batsman unleashed havoc on the Pakistan bowling attack scoring 74 runs off 39 balls.

He reached his fifty in just 24 balls, which was 5 balls quicker than Yuvraj Singh's record hit 13 years prior. He brought up the half-century with a boundary off Saim Ayub, scoring at just under 190 for the innings.

India proved to be far too strong for Pakistan, scoring the 172 required to win in just 18.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma rightly regarded as the Player of the Match for his courage and adventurous innings.

Abhishek Sharma now has his name alongside Kohli, Yuvraj, and Gambhir as one of the Indians to record the fastest T20I fifties against Pakistan

From Gambhir’s fifty in the 2007 World Cup final, when he made batting look easy amid the pressure of a World Cup, to Abhishek’s recent blitz at Hokar, Indian batters have performed well under pressure in important games against Pakistan. Each innings entertains fans and carries the weight of pressure and hype as we witness this timeless rivalry. 

With the emergence of players like Abhishek Sharma, along with the greats in Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, the future of Indian batting against Pakistan looks more exciting than it has in a long time. 

Pakistan will face Sri Lanka for the first time in the Asia Cup 2025. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka lost their first matches in the Super Four group. Both teams need to win today's match to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. This match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, at 8:00 PM. In this article, we will explore PAK vs SL playing 11, pitch reports, and key players' stats.

PAK vs SL Super-4, Match 3 Match Details:

Pakistan's Team Preview:

Pakistan has lost its first Super Four match against India and will have to win both its upcoming matches to reach in the final. They lost their last game against India by 6 wickets. In this match, Pakistan’s star opener Sahibzada Farhan provided a quick start, scoring 58 runs on 45 balls, while Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf supported well and put up a total of 171 runs, but they could not defend it.

In the bowling section, Haris Rauf bowled well and picked up 2 wickets while Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed took 1 wicket each.

Pakistan's Key players:

Sri Lanka Team Preview: 

Sri Lanka has also lost its first match of the Super Four against Bangladesh, and they are under immense pressure to win this match. The hopes of both teams to reach the finals will almost end with a defeat in today's match. Sri Lanka lost its last game against Bangladesh by 4 wickets.

In this match, all-rounder Dasun Shanaka played an explosive inning of 64 runs on 37 balls. Before that, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis provided a good start, scoring 22 and 34 runs respectively. In the bowling department, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka impressed with the ball and took 2 wickets each.

Sri Lanka’s Key Players: 

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super-4, Match 3 Probable Playing XI

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Scoring pattern at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi:

The pitches in Abu Dhabi are generally balanced, offering equal opportunities to both batsmen and bowlers. Spin bowlers also have some assistance, especially in the middle overs. The last match played at this venue was between India and Oman, and the Indian team posted 188 runs; in reply, Oman managed to reach 167 runs, highlighting a good surface for batters.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super-4, Match 3, Expert Opinion and Match Prediction:

Sri Lanka is expected to win this game. Sri Lanka won all three group matches and topped the Group B point table. However, they suffered defeat in a nail-biting contest against Bangladesh, but Sri Lanka's overall performance so far is good compared to the Pakistan team.

Pakistan's middle-order batsmen's inconsistency is their major concern. If Sri Lankan openers tackle the initial overs of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, they can post a good total, and their experienced bowling attack can restrict Pakistan. 

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Janith Liyanage

FAQ: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 

When will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super-4, Match 3 be played?

This match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, at 8:00 PM (IST).

What is the importance of this match in the Super-4 stage?

This clash is crucial as it could decide who secures a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

Which players could make the biggest impact in PAK vs SL Super-4, Match 3?

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan

India emphasized their dominance over Pakistan in T20 cricket once again, sealing a six-wicket victory in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match in Dubai on Sunday, September 21. The win was set up from a scorching, 105-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, which also improved the Men in Blue's winning streak in the tournament to four.

After bowling first, India bowled Pakistan for 171/5 with Shivam Dube leading the way at 2/33. Both Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket apiece. In response, India was led by Abhishek's firey 39-ball 74 and Gill's 47 off just 28 balls, as it did not take long for the Men in Blue to reel it in. Tilak Varma finished not out at 30* in the over and a half.

The emphatic result led to strong reactions from former players and experts alike. We take a look at the five best expert takes on India's latest triumph over their arch-rivals.

Murali Kartik 

Former spinner Murali Kartik commended India’s new openers for responding positively after a few hiccups in the field earlier. Kartik believed the match could have even ended earlier had Gill not departed mid-chase. 

“From 91 at halftime, getting only 80 more. And the way the Indian openers started – if we didn’t have the injury and Shubman Gill getting out, I thought by the 14/15th over this game would have been over. It was an easy win in the end, but the credit must go to the openers for batting so positively and forgetting about those dropped catches,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz.

This was India’s highest opening partnership against Pakistan in T20Is, eclipsing the 77-run partnership of Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane in 2012.

Sunil Gavaskar

Iconic batsman Sunil Gavaskar praised Suryakumar Yadav’s side for responding to the pressure after the commotion in the previous group-stage meeting when India neglected to engage in the customary post-match handshake. 

“I think after all the halla-bullu that happened after the last game, the pressure was definitely on the Indians. Yes, there was pressure to win the match in style, given everything that happened on Sunday. But, they showed that they had the temperament to deal with all of that and perform under pressure," Gavaskar told India Today.

Harbhajan Singh 

Harbhajan Singh, a former off-spin bowler, made a point about the disparity between the two sides, noting that India sees true competition in teams that dominate worldwide - not in teams from Asia.

"Pakistan is a young team, but right now they don't have that strength. The way their pacers were hit off in the first six overs speaks to India's level being above. India's contest is not with Pakistan or Afghanistan or any Asian team - it is with Australia and England," Harbhajan said on Sports Tak.

India are the defending Asia Cup champions and have now won the trophy a record total of eight times.

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Ravichandran Ashwin

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was forthright in his evaluation, stating that the current Indian team is on a different level entirely.

“There is a big difference between emotion and skill. The previous generation matches between India and Pakistan had their share of emotion which would lead to mistakes. This Indian team is on a different league altogether. This Pakistan team is a long, long, long, long way away. The best way Pakistan can win this Asia Cup is if India don’t play,” remarked Ashwin his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

At this stage in the history of the Asia Cup, India has a decisive head-to-head record, winning 13 matches out of the 22 played.

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder, appreciated the Indian bowling unit, which managed to limit Pakistan to a modest total despite the star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah having a rare off day (0/45 in 4 overs). He also referred to the "impact" of Shivam Dube as the sixth bowler. 

"If a big bowler like Jasprit Bumrah has a bad day, whichever team he is representing usually struggles. But after Bumrah was subpar, India did not let Pakistan cross 200 runs, which shows the quality of the Indian bowling unit: spin and the sixth pacer. This is where Pakistan is behind - in batting and bowling. There is a very huge gap. India are way ahead," Pathan said on his YouTube channel. 

Dube's two wickets of Sahibzada Farhan - 58 and Saim Ayub - 21 were also important in stemming Pakistan's start.

Dominance Continues

India's victory not only bolstered their culture credentials for the Asia Cup but simultaneously extended the illusory gap between the two rivals even more. While Pakistan continues its inconsistency, analysts suggest that India's plan will be to challenge themselves against the true best in world cricket — Australia and England. 

For now, Suryakumar Yadav's team represents the challenge for the rest of Asia, breezing into the next phase of the 2025 Asia Cup as the only unbeaten team entering the business end of the tournament.