The Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 reaches a thrilling conclusion as Bangladesh A (BAN-A) meets Pakistan A (PAK-A) for the final on Sunday, November 23 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. Both finalists have played well throughout the tournament and will therefore make it a tough, competitive, high-stakes match-up.

Bangladesh A goes into the final with lots of confidence after their nail-biter against India A in the semi-final. Fast bowler Ripon Mondol was the hero, helping his team win the match in a dramatic Super Over. Under Akbar Ali’s leadership, Bangladesh A have played impressive cricket—winning three matches and losing only one so far.

Pakistan A have also been one of the standout teams of the tournament. They won all their group-stage matches, including a strong win over India A. In the semi-final, Irfan Khan’s team held their nerve to defeat Sri Lanka A by five runs, securing a well-deserved spot in the title clash. With unbeaten momentum, Pakistan A will be aiming to lift the trophy.

BAN-A vs PAK-A: Head-to-Head Record

This will be their first meeting in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 tournament.

BAN-A vs PAK-A: Pitch Report

The pitch at West End Park is expected to offer something for both batters and bowlers. Early in the innings, the seamers may get movement, while batters who settle in can score freely later. Interestingly, the most recent four matches played here have been won by teams batting first, indicating that runs scored on the board will be key in the final. Though Captains may still elect to bowl first for better control of the conditions, teams have shown that batting deep into the innings can set firm totals for chasing teams.

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BAN-A vs PAK-A: Predicted Playing XIs

Bangladesh A Predicted Playing XIs:

Habibur Rahman Sohan, Jishan Alam, Zawad Abrar, Akbar Ali (C & WK), Abu Hider, SM Meherob, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Yasir Ali, Rakibul Hasan, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Ripon Mondol.

Pakistan A Predicted Playing XIs:

Mohammad Naeem, Maaz Sadaqat, Yasir Khan, Mohammad Faiq, Irfan Khan (C), Ghazi Ghori (WK), Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz, Ahmed Daniyal, Ubaid Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem.

On Sunday, November 2, a number of cricket legends, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, were seen at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai during the final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, where India took on South Africa. The International Cricket Council (ICC) posted a video of the legends looking on in the stands as the Women in Blue made a bid for glory in the high-stakes match up.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman were also on hand. The two were captured sitting together and engaging in conversation as Indian women chased their first-ever One-Day International (ODI) World Cup success. In between them, both Gavaskar and Tendulkar have considerable World Cup legacies, with Gavaskar being on hand for India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, and Tendulkar lifting the trophy in 2011.

India Eyes Maiden Women’s World Cup Title

India is looking to win their first Women’s ODI World Cup title, having finished as runners-up in both 2005 and 2017. The team under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, came in with great momentum into the final after completing a record-breaking chase of defending champions Australia in the semifinal, successful chasing 339, the most runs chased down successfully in a women’s World Cup knockout match. 

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Shefali Verma, Deepti Sharma Shine in India’s Innings 

After being put into bat first, India had an innings of 298/7 in their 50 overs. Opener Shefali Verma, looking to make a big impact opened the innings in blistering mode with an innings of 87 off 78 balls hitting two 6s and seven 4s. Alongside Shefali was Smriti Mandhana who scored 45 off 58 balls to add an opening partnership worth 104 runs. 

In the middle order, Jemimah Rodrigues (24), Harmanpreet Kaur (20), and Amanjot Kaur (12) all contributed useful runs before Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh provide the team with a finishing flourish. Deepti made 58 off 58 balls and Richa made 34 off of 24 balls, hitting two sixes and three fours. For South Africa, Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/58.

South Africa Pursuing Historic Glory as Well

South Africa reached the final after a commanding 125-run victory over England in the semifinal. They also defeated India in the earlier stages of the tournament, and they are also searching for their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title - creating a tantalizing final with two teams chasing history.

The DY Patil Stadium was electric as cricketing legends observed the match, with hopes that India could lift their first Women’s World Cup trophy in front of their home fans.

In the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, where the hosts India Women are facing South Africa Women at Navi Mumbai, as both teams are looking for their first ICC title, the Indian opener Smriti Mandhana set a new record for her team in the history of the tournament. 

During the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, India Women were sent to bat first. Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set a century partnership to set a great start for the hosts. They put up a 104-run partnership for the first wicket, where Smriti scored 45 runs off 58 balls before she was caught behind. In that innings, Smriti hit eight fours. 

With that 45-run knock, Smriti Mandhana set a new record for the most runs by an Indian in an edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The previous record was 409 runs by the skipper Mithali Raj in the 2017 edition, when India Women finished as the runners-up for the second time.

[WATCH] Siya Kolisi sends support to South Africa's Women’s team ahead of World Cup final vs India

Most runs by an Indian in an edition of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

• Smriti Mandhana - 434 runs in 2025
• Mithali Raj - 409 runs in 2017
• Punam Raut - 381 runs in 2017
• Harmanpreet Kaur - 359 runs in 2017
• Smriti Mandhana - 327 runs in 2022

India Women started Final strongly

The Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 started a two-hour delay due to rain, but it still became a 50-over game. In the first batting after losing the toss, India Women have got a great start with 151/1 in 25 overs. While Smriti scored 45 runs, Shafali Verma scored her first WODI half-century in more than three years. She even surpassed her previous highest WODI score to set a new WODI record for her, which came in the Final.  

The Women’s World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa promises to be an exhilarating cricket showdown, with both teams displaying top form ahead of the grand finale at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India stormed into the final after defeating seven-time champions Australia in a thrilling semi-final encounter, while South Africa outclassed England’s women’s cricket team in the other semi-final.

Fans can expect a high-voltage clash featuring top women cricketers like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Laura Wolvaardt, making it one of the most anticipated women’s cricket matches of 2025.

However, weather conditions in Navi Mumbai could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this India vs South Africa final match. According to AccuWeather’s weather forecast, there is a 63% chance of rain and a 13% probability of thunderstorms during the game.

The rain forecast for Navi Mumbai suggests intermittent showers, which might lead to match interruptions or even a reduced-over contest at the DY Patil Cricket Stadium.

The weather report also indicates wind speeds of around 13 km/h, gusts reaching up to 39 km/h, and approximately 1.5 mm of expected rainfall. With a cloud cover of 62%, there remains a significant chance of rain delays affecting the World Cup final.

If the skies clear up, the batting conditions could favor stroke players, but even brief showers might drastically influence the match result and the fate of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 champions.

If Rain Stops Play: What Happens to the India vs South Africa Women’s World Cup Final?

While the rain forecast is concerning, the organizers have scheduled a reserve day to ensure a fair result. If Sunday’s play is completely washed out, the teams will return on Monday, November 3, to complete the match. However, umpires and match officials have been instructed to exhaust all possibilities of finishing the game on the original day, even if it means playing a shortened match.

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For a result to count, each side must play at least 20 overs. If rain stops play on both days, the trophy will be shared between India and South Africa. Fans will hope the weather stays clear so that a full and fair final can decide the new Women’s World Cup champions.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What happens if the Women’s World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa is washed out?
If the Women’s World Cup 2025 final gets washed out due to rain, a reserve day has been scheduled for Monday, November 3. The match will continue from where it stopped, giving both teams a fair chance to compete for the title.

2. Will the Women’s World Cup 2025 final have a reserve day in case of rain?
Yes, the ICC has allocated a reserve day for the India vs South Africa final. If rain prevents play on Sunday, the match will resume or be replayed on Monday at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

3. How much rain is expected during the Women’s World Cup 2025 final in Navi Mumbai?
According to AccuWeather’s forecast, there is a 63% chance of rain and a 13% probability of thunderstorms during the final. Intermittent showers and cloudy conditions could lead to match interruptions.

4. What are the minimum overs required for a result in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final?
For an official result to be declared, both teams must play at least 20 overs each. If rain stops play on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, the trophy will be shared between India and South Africa.

5. Who are the key players to watch in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final?
Cricket fans can look forward to standout performances from Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Laura Wolvaardt, all of whom have been in excellent form leading into the final.

Sunidhi Chauhan, an Indian singing icon, will perform during the mid-innings show of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa on Sunday, November 2, at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The final is expected to be an unforgettable celebration of cricket and entertainment as one of the most versatile singers takes center stage.

The evening of cricketing glory will begin with Sunidhi Chauhan rendering the Indian national anthem, while Tarynn Bank from Cape Town will lend her voice to the South African anthem. At the mid-innings break, spectators will be treated to a laser spectacle, drone formations, and a 350-member mass-cast performance, all leading up to Chauhan’s high-energy concert.

Sunidhi will perform a medley of her popular songs, accompanied by 60 dancers and fireworks effects, designed by famous choreographer Sanjay Shetty. The performance aims to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans as India aims for glory on home soil.

Sunidhi’s Excitement Ahead of the Big Stage

Expressing her excitement, Sunidhi said she was honored to be part of such a historic event. “It’s an honor to be performing at the Women’s World Cup, and I am really looking forward to the big day. With India in the final and the stands packed with enthusiastic fans, I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric, and it will be a day all of us will remember for long,” she shared.

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At just 13 years old, Sunidhi burst onto the Indian music scene with her hit song Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi from Mast, marking the start of an extraordinary career. Over the years, she has sold over 50 million records worldwide, judged major reality shows like The Voice India and Indian Idol, and even opened for Coldplay in New York in 2015. Featured four times in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list, Sunidhi continues to be one of the most powerful voices in Indian music.

Tilak Varma's growing stature in Indian cricket was displayed during the Super 4 clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. The young left- handed averaged 30 runs in the middle order, helping India get over 200 runs in the first innings - giving India the surge they needed to pass 200 runs for a big total. His rhythm and streaky shots fed into one of the good games of the tournament.

Tilak's performance revealed not only his prowess but his composure under pressure. Since his call-up to the T20I team last year against South Africa, he has shown the ability to carry confidence into the middle overs and has become an option for India. He demonstrated it again against Sri Lanka - he can handle the situation and help the team build a score.

After the match, Tilak was asked about his fitness by commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. In response, the youngster gave credit to Virat Kohli for being his role model when it comes to training and fitness. Kohli is known for changing the fitness culture in Indian cricket, and Tilak is keen to follow the same path.

Tilak Credits Virat for Fitness Inspiration

“I do love doing a lot of Fitness. I am inspired by Virat Bhai. He has set the standards and I just want to maintain that. I just love to run on the field and spend a lot of time in the gym,” Tilak said.

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For more than a decade, Kohli’s fitness has set the bar for the Indian team, and young players like Tilak are learning from it. Staying fit helps Tilak not only with batting power but also with fielding and mental strength in pressure games. The match itself was a thriller, with Pathum Nissanka’s century taking Sri Lanka to a tie. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh held his nerve with perfect yorkers, sealing India’s spot in the final.

India vs Pakistan is always a big match in any competition of international cricket. But when it comes to any Final of a tournament, it becomes more special, as the pride of the match becomes more crucial than anything else. In the India vs Pakistan clashes in the Final of any tournament, while a win means a lot for the team, a defeat is unacceptable for the players and supporters.   

India vs Pakistan in Finals: Head-to-Head Records (Only single Final tournaments) 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: IND vs PAK head-to-head, stadium stats & predicted playing XIs

Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket 1985: India won by 8 wickets with 17 balls remaining

India, Pakistan, Australia, England, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka participated in the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket 1985, which Australia hosted. India and Pakistan met in the Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Pakistan scored 176/9 in 50 overs, and India chased down the target in 47.1 overs after losing only two wickets. While the openers Ravi Shastri and Kris Srikanth scored 63 not out and 67 runs, respectively, Srikanth won the Player of the Match award, and Shastri won the Player of the Series award. 

Austral-Asia Cup 1986: Pakistan won by 1 wicket with 0 balls remaining

While Sharjah hosted the Austral-Asia Cup 1986, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand featured in that tournament. In the India vs Pakistan fixture in the Final of the tournament, while India scored 245/7 in 50 overs, Pakistan chased down the target on the final ball after losing nine wickets. The match was famous for Pakistan legend Javed Miandad's last-ball match-winning six to Chetan Sharma, while Pakistan needed four runs on the final ball. For his match-winning 116 not out off 114 balls, Miandad won the Player of the Match award. 

Wills Trophy 1991: Pakistan won by 72 runs 

It was a tri-nation tournament between India, Pakistan, and the West Indies in Sharjah. In the tournament Final, while Pakistan scored 262/6 in 50 overs, thanks to Zahid Fazal's 98 and Saleem Malik's 87, India were all out for 190 runs in 46 overs. Pakistan right-arm fast bowler Aaqib Javed won the Player of the Match award for picking up seven wickets (7/37). 

Pepsi Austral-Asia Cup 1994: Pakistan won by 39 runs

In this tournament, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, and the hosts United Arab Emirates participated, while Sharjah hosted all the fixtures. In the tournament Final, Pakistan scored 250/6 in 50 overs, and India were all out for 211 runs in 47.4 overs. The Player of the Match Aamer Sohail scored 69 off 87 balls and also picked up two wickets (2/22) along with two catches, including one caught and bowled.

Pepsi Cup 1999: Pakistan won by 123 runs

It was the tri-nation tournament between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the hosts India. In the tournament Final at Bengaluru, while Pakistan scored 291/8 in 50 overs, India were bowled out for only 168 runs in 42.1 overs. Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 25 off 28 balls and taking five wickets (5/38).

Coca-Cola Cup 1999: Pakistan won by 8 wickets with 132 balls remaining

India, Pakistan, and England challenged each other in this tri-nation series, which was played at Sharjah. After India were bundled out for only 125 runs in 45 overs, Pakistan chased down the target in 28 overs after losing only two wickets. Pakistan captain Wasim Akram won the Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling figures of 8-3-11-3.

ICC World T20 2007: India won by 5 runs

A total of 12 teams participated in the inaugural men's T20 World Cup, ICC World T20 2007, in South Africa. The participating teams were India, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Scotland. In the Final of the inaugural T20 WC at Johannesburg, India scored 157/5 in 20 overs, and Pakistan were all out for 152 runs in 19.3 overs. Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding bowling performance, 4-0-16-3.

Kitply Cup 2008: Pakistan won by 25 runs

It was another tri-nation series, where India, Pakistan, and the hosts Bangladesh challenged each other. In the Final, with the help of twin centuries by the opener Salman Butt (129 retired hurt) and Younis Khan (108), Pakistan scored 315/3 in 50 overs in the first innings. Later, India were restricted to 290 all out in 48.2 overs. Younis Khan won the Player of the Match award.

ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Pakistan won by 180 runs

England and Wales hosted the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where eight teams participated. The participating teams were India, Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In the Final, the defending champions India faced Pakistan, where Pakistan scored 338/4 in 50 overs, with the major role of the opener and Player of the Match Fakhar Zaman, who scored 114 off 106 balls after getting the luck of a no-ball dismissal at the beginning of his innings. Later, India were all out for only 158 runs in 30.3 overs. 

India (IND) will take on Pakistan (PAK) in the much-awaited final of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28 at 8 PM IST. This encounter marks the first time both teams are squaring off in a summit clash of the tournament, which intensifies cricket's fiercest rivalry. It will also be their third meeting in this edition. 

 India comes into the final with great form, having not lost a game so far. Abhishek Sharma is at the top of the batting charts while Kuldeep Yadav is the leading wickettaker which highlight IND’s all-round superiority. The Men in Blue will be looking to continue the good form and capture their ninth Asia Cup title, meaning a PAK team that has lost twice to them already in 2025 will be on their radar, for a third match win in a row. 

PAK, on the other hand, will be looking to secure their third Asia Cup title, and first since 2012. Despite the fact that both losses have come to IND, they have shown fight with the help of team performances. This final, provides them with the opportune moment to get redemption from their last two games with an emphatic win.

IND vs PAK: Head-to-Head Record 

India hold a dominant record, winning over 70% of encounters against Pakistan in T20Is.

• Matches Played: 15
• Won by India: 11
• Won by Pakistan: 3
• Tied: 1

IND vs PAK: Stadium Stats

The Dubai International Stadium has historically produced balanced games, though chasing teams typically have the highest win rate under lights.

• Matches Played: 78
• Win Bat First: 41%
• Win Bowl First: 58%
• Average 1st Innings Score: 142
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 131
• Highest Total: 212/2 by India vs Afghanistan
• Lowest Total: 55/10 by West Indies vs England
• Highest Successful Chase: 184/8 by Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
• Lowest Total Defended: 135/6 by Canada vs Netherlands

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IND vs PAK: Predicted Playing XIs

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

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

Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has been somewhat mixed journey but the team are in a strong position at the moment. The Bangla Tigers have recorded two wins in the group stage, defeating Hong Kong and Afghanistan while their only defeat came a strong Sri Lankan team.

In the Super Fours, however, Bangladesh produced a brilliant comeback by defeating Sri Lanka in their second meeting. The four-wicket victory not only avenged their earlier group-stage loss but also boosted their standing in the race for a place in the finals. As of now, they occupy third place in the Super Fours points table with two points.

With two matches remaining, Bangladesh are still very much in the mix. Their first goal will be to keep the momentum going and give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the final of the continental tournament.

Asia Cup 2025: Bangladesh’s Qualification Scenarios

So far, Bangladesh have played one match in the Super Fours, winning it and collecting two crucial points with a net run rate of 0.121. They now face two tough fixtures, against India on September 24 and Pakistan on September 25, both in Dubai. To secure qualification, at least one more victory with a healthy NRR is essential.

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In case they win both matches, Bangladesh will finish with six points in total and secure their place in the final without any drama, most likely finishing as the table toppers. If they win a game out of the two matches, they will end with four points and will be in a realistic position to qualify dependent on other results and net run rate. If they lose both of their matches, they will finish with two points and will be eliminated.

India easily beat Pakistan by six wickets in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match, moving very close to the finals. Pakistan scored 171/5, but they were never in control as Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill added 105 runs for the first wicket and destroyed their bowling attack. This big win has made things smooth for India, but tough for Pakistan.

Now, Pakistan’s chances to qualify for the final are complicated. They still have two matches left in the Super 4 stage – against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. To stay alive in the race, they must win, but even then, some situations will depend on net run-rate and other results.

Here are the potential outcomes through which Pakistan can still make it to the final despite the horror show against India. Should Pakistan win both matches, they are in the final for sure. If not, they would still be uncertain and be subject to net run-rate.

Pakistan’s chances to reach the final 

Scenario 1: Pakistan win both matches

The most possible way for Pakistan is to defeat both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. By doing so, they will have 4 points and qualify for the final without a doubt. Other results will be of no importance. 

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Scenario 2: Pakistan win one match and lose one 

If Pakistan manage to win only one out of the two matches, then they will have a maximum of 2 points at the end of the group stage. Consequently, their qualification will depend on net run-rate. If India win all of their remaining games, the contest for the two semi-final places will be between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Scenario 3: India lose both, Pakistan win both

If India are to lose their next two matches and Pakistan to win both of their matches, then Pakistan will overtake India on the points table and qualify for the final. There will be a battle for the other two places with the three remaining teams excluding Pakistan.