Pakistan were ahead during the second innings of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Even after putting a low score on the board of just 146 runs in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings. They were able to pick three wickets in just four overs for 20 runs, which was a huge advantage. 

The expectation was high from their expressive fast bowler, Haris Rauf, who could have controlled the contest with his pace on a slow surface. But he wasn’t regular with his line and length and couldn’t hold the situation as India looked to get an advantage with the bat in the middle overs. And the former Pakistan captain, Wasim Akram, bashed Rauf’s poor bowling.

See Also: Know what Indian players said after winning their ninth title of Asia Cup in 2025

“He is a run machine against India. I don't mean any disrespect, but he doesn’t play red ball cricket, and that is why he can’t improve. "His run-up is not the smoothest -- I was speaking to Waqar and he reiterated that not playing red ball cricket is the reason.” Akram expressed at the end of the clash.

Wasim Akram bashes Haris Rauf’s poor bowling during Asia Cup 2025 final

Rauf couldn’t follow the instructions from the captain and coach, and leaked runs to lose the momentum in the game. He gave away 50 runs in just 22 balls of the innings at an economy rate of 13.60, which never helped the pacer to show his dominance with the ball in the first innings.

“Don’t allow them to play league cricket. Any contracted player who wants a monthly salary needs to play a certain amount of FC cricket.” Akram expressed during the post-match analysis, when the former head coach of the Indian side, Ravi Shastri, also addressed the same issue.

Pakistan posted 146 runs in the first innings as Sahibzada Farhan celebrated a fine half-century before the Indian spinners went through the opponent’s batting line-up easily. India, despite the early thrill, managed to complete the chase by five wickets thanks to the unbeaten knock of 69 runs in 53 balls at a strike rate of 130.19 with the help of three boundaries and four sixes.

In the Asia Cup final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan started well. The opening pair scored 84 runs. Sahibzada Farhan made 57 runs. Fakhar Zaman made 46 runs. At that time, the Pakistani batters put Bumrah under pressure.

But when the Indian spinners came, Pakistan lost the game. After the first three batters, no one else scored more than 10 runs. Pakistan was all out for 146 runs. Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets.

In reply, India batted and lost 3 wickets for 20 runs. Then Tilak Verma built an important 57-run partnership with Sanju Samson. After that, he made another partnership with Shivam Dube and took India to victory. Even though Dube got out, Tilak stayed strong. He finished unbeaten on 69 runs and won the match for India.

Also Read -Know what Indian players said after winning their ninth title of Asia Cup in 2025

Tilak Varma seals India’s win

With India needing 10 runs off the final over, Tilak Varma ran a couple of runs after a mistake, then hit a six to reduce the pressure. He pulled a back-of-length delivery that cleared the ropes easily. Head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated as the ball went over the boundary. Earlier, Tilak had taken on Haris Rauf in the 15th over, scoring 17 runs, including a couple of boundaries, which eased the pressure on India before the final overs.

TILAK's SIX vs RAUF WILL BE IN THE HEART OF ALL INDIAN CRICKET FANS. 😍👑 pic.twitter.com/zfaEwKZyEH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2025

A knock to remember

Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 69 runs off 53 balls in the Asia Cup 2025 final. He was doubtful for the final after hurting himself while trying to take a catch in the last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka. But he was fit and played an amazing innings. His knock included three fours and four sixes, with a strike rate of 130.19. This was his fourth T20I fifty, with the last one also coming in a tense run chase against England in Chennai.

Haris Rauf, the expressive fast bowler of the Pakistan side, had already been in the news during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. And even after getting fined for his action in the last couple of days, Rauf continued to have a go at the Indian side with bad actions even during the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan didn’t post a good score with the board, even after a strong opening partnership of 84 runs in 9.4 overs. Their opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, celebrated another half-century with the bat. However, their middle order couldn’t contribute much to the scorecard as none of the batters apart from the top three got into double figures.

See Also: [WATCH] Shaheen Afridi's brilliant catch sends back Shubman Gill during IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

India lost their top three in just four overs for 20 runs. Haris Rauf had a go at India when he grabbed the fine catch of Abhishek Sharma to dismiss the batter for five runs in six balls. The southpaw has been in tremendous form during the tournament with three successive half-centuries, but couldn’t repeat the same show in the final.

Watch: Haris Rauf continues to taunt India with ‘Rafale down’ gesture during Asia Cup 2025 final

Faheem Ashraf was clever enough to bowl a slow outside the arc of the batter as Abhishek looked to nail the big shot outside the 30-yard circle. But he couldn’t get the anticipated elevation off the blade, and that just took the ball in the air where Haris Rauf grabbed the catch and showed the rafale down to the fans to recall the Operation Sindhoor.

Haris Rauf celebrates Rafale Down after taking the catch of Shubman Gill 😂🚀 #AsiaCupFinal #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/uvEKiVfo8I

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) September 28, 2025

For Pakistan, Rauf was ordinary with the bat as he ended up, leaking 37 runs in his three overs. Tilak Verma has celebrated a fine half-century during the chase, while the biggest contribution from the fifth stand came from Shivam Dube, who cracked 28 runs in 18 balls by the end of 18 overs.

India’s three spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel, were excellent with the ball as they shared eight wickets between them while Jasprit Bumrah finished with two wickets, bundling out the Pakistan side before 20 overs.

In the final of the Asia Cup 2025, Jasprit Bumrah gave India a memorable moment by removing Haris Rauf for just 6 runs off 4 balls at 17.5 overs. After Bumrah took the wicket, he shocked everyone and did a “fighter-jet down” celebration, which mocked the very signature style of Rauf. The celebration quickly became a talking point, showing India's total dominance of the match.

Bumrah is usually calm with his celebrations, but this one stood out because of its history. Earlier in the tournament, Haris Rauf had done the same gesture against India in the Super Four stage, which led to a fine and suspension of his match fee. Seeing Bumrah use the same move was taken as a sharp reply, adding extra spice to the high-voltage clash.

At the time of Rauf’s wicket, Pakistan was already in big trouble at 141/9. After starting well, their batting had completely fallen apart. India’s spinners created the pressure, and Bumrah’s strike sealed Pakistan’s collapse in the death overs.

Pakistan’s Collapse and India’s Bowling Power

Pakistan’s innings turned from promising to disastrous very quickly. Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) gave them a strong 84-run opening stand. But after that, the middle order and lower order failed badly. Pakistan lost 9 wickets for only 33 runs and were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Saim Ayub scored 14, while Salman Ali Agha made 8. Mohammad Haris fell for a duck, and players like Nawaz, Talat, Afridi, Faheem, and Abrar could not add much.

Watch the video here

Bumrah Bhai Cooked💀🔥#indvspak2025 #IndianCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/v5PNrnK2sN

— ̷𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐘 𝐎𝐆™ (@Mahakal75695213) September 28, 2025

See Also: WATCH: Axar Patel strikes as Mohammad Haris falls for a duck in Asia Cup 2025 Final IND vs PAK

India’s bowlers were brilliant all around. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with 4 wickets for 30 runs. Axar Patel backed him with 2/26, and Varun Chakravarthy took 2/30. Bumrah ended with 2/25, highlighted by his wicket of Rauf. Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma also bowled tightly. Together, India’s attack made sure Pakistan had no chance of recovery and kept India ahead in the final.

Both teams have dominated throughout the tournament and now face each other in the most-awaited clash of the season. India will rely on Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan will count on Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub to deliver in the high-pressure final.

The Indian team will have the upper hand, as they have marched through the tournament undefeated, including two convincing wins over Pakistan in the group stage.

IND vs PAK Match Details

Date: 28th September, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM IST

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

IND vs PAK Weather Report

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

Also Read: NEP vs WI Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win the 1st T20I?

Top Batters IND vs PAK

• Abhishek Sharma (IND) - 309 runs in this tournament 

• Sahibzada Farhan (PAK) - 160 runs in this tournament 

• Tilak Varma (IND) - 144 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler IND vs PAK

• Kuldeep Yadav (IND) - 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Shaheen Afridi (PAK) - 9 wickets in this tournament 

• Haris Rauf (PAK) - 9 wickets in this tournament 

IND vs PAK Recent Performance

IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If IND bats first

• First Innings score prediction - IND is expected to score 175-190 runs

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

Scenario 2- If the SL bats first

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

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

IND vs PAK 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.

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, and Abrar Ahmed.

IND vs PAK 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.

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.

IND vs PAK 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 Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken matters into his own hands to pay the fine levied against fast bowler Haris Rauf by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The fine was issued to Rauf after he was found guilty of inappropriate language during the high-profile Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours match against India. According to Pakistan media outlet Samaa TV, Naqvi has decided to bear the cost himself.

The ICC fined Rauf 30% of his match fee for the offence, amounting to 125,575 PKR, which equals approximately 39,000 INR. Based on Cricket Resolved’s report, Rauf earns 418,584 PKR per T20I, meaning the penalty cut into nearly a third of his earnings from the game. By choosing to pay the fine personally, Naqvi ensured his player was not financially burdened, even posting a light-hearted Cristiano Ronaldo meme referencing the controversial “6-0 jet” gesture that contributed to Rauf’s penalty.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also sanctioned by the ICC for breaching the code of conduct. He was fined an identical 30% of his match fee after making remarks about the Pahalgam terror attack, comments the Pakistan Cricket Board argued had politicised the sport. The ICC confirmed that Suryakumar pleaded not guilty, but match referee Richie Richardson rejected his defence.

Complaints and ICC Sanctions

The heated encounter saw multiple disciplinary flashpoints. Apart from Rauf’s exchange with Indian batters and his boundary-line gesture, teammate Sahibzada Farhan also drew attention for celebrating his half-century with a gun-shot gesture, which earned him an official warning from the referee.

See Also: Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya ruled out of Asia Cup 2025 final? Know their latest fitness update

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lodged a complaint against both Rauf and Farhan for what it termed unacceptable on-field conduct. On the other hand, the PCB filed two separate complaints against Suryakumar Yadav, even demanding a harsher Level 4 sanction reserved for the most serious breaches. While the ICC stopped short of that, both sides left the fixture with fines and disciplinary marks, underlining the high-pressure nature of the India–Pakistan rivalry.

The Asia Cup 2025 has consisted of not just great cricket but also fiery tempers and off-field incidents. India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf have been sanctioned by ICC match referee Richie Richardson and fined 30% of their match fees for a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The events occurred during two matches between the old rivals.  After India’s group-stage victory over Pakistan on September 14, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror incident and the Indian armed forces.’ While Suryakumar Yadav's message was received positively by many, Pakistan filed a complaint with the ICC because it was reported that Suryakumar made political comments.  After a hearing, Suryakumar Yadav was fined and directed not to make any political comments for the remainder of the tournament while still maintaining his innocence.  

Asia Cup tensions rise as Rauf and Suryakumar face fines

Haris Rauf found himself in trouble during the Super Four match on September 21 in Dubai.  The fast bowler responded to heckling from Indian fans and made gestures, including a signature that seemed to refer to war. The gesture was deemed inappropriate and against the spirit of the game. Alongside Haris Rauf, Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan was also investigated for mimicking a gunshot celebration after reaching his fifty, though he escaped with just a warning.

ALSO SEE:[WATCH] Asia Cup 2025: Shubman Gill out for 4 as Theekshana takes spectacular catch in IND vs SL Super 4 clash

Both incidents drew attention to the increasing friction between India and Pakistan during the tournament. From India’s spirited refusal to engage in the customary handshake at the toss to dramatic exchanges between the teams on the field, the Asia Cup felt like it was packed with emotional content well beyond cricket. The BCCI and PCB lodged complaints against players on the opposing team, though only Rauf and Suryakumar faced monetary sanctions. 

Despite the drama, the two cricketing rivals are gearing up to play each other once again, in the tournament final in Dubai on Sunday. The ICC will be hoping that the much-awaited showpiece will be about cricket, with no political subtext or disciplinary issues hanging over it. 

The twin penalties were also a timely reminder of the magnitude of the occasion and that while there is enormous passion in the contest between India and Pakistan on the international stage, players need to remember the spirit of the game.

The International Cricket Council, could take action against Sahibzada Farhan and Haris Rauf of Pakistan for their gestures in the Asia Cup 2025 match against India. The ICC summoned both players after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) submitted an official complaint. This came after a match between bitter rivals packed with tension on and off the field.

India dominated the matches, off-field actions also grabbed attention. Reportedly, the Indian team and captain Suryakumar Yadav, specifically, did not shake hands with Pakistan. In response, some Pakistani players, especially Rauf and Farhan, performed gestures that were seen as politically influenced. These acts sparked discussions and brought the matter to the ICC’s notice.

Sahibzada Farhan performed the “Bazooka” celebration, which some people thought was a political jab at India. However, Farhan told the ICC that there was no political intention. He explained that even Indian players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have done similar celebrations in the past.

ICC Sanctions and Updates

Journalist Nikhil Naz reported that Farhan might lose 50 to 100 per cent of his match fees as punishment. Haris Rauf, who mocked Indian fans by referring to unverified Pakistan Air Force claims of downing six Indian jets, could face a similar penalty. But neither player is expected to be suspended.

See Also: "He Was the First One to Stand Up": Farokh Engineer Recalls Rohit Sharma’s Touching Gesture

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav could also face a penalty of 15 per cent of his match fees for his comments about the Pahalgam terror attack after the India-Pakistan group-stage clash. Despite all the off-field controversies, both teams are now focusing on the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28.

Update: According to PTI, the ICC has classified the incident as a level 1 offence. Haris Rauf has been fined 30 per cent of his match fees for abusive gestures, while Sahibzada Farhan received only a warning.

Pakistan face Bangladesh in the do-or-die encounter during their last Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the Salman Ali Agha-led side earned a victory to qualify for the final, where they will face India, in what would turn out to be the first-ever Asia Cup final in the history of the event. 

Despite putting a low score on the board, Pakistan’s bowlers were excellent with their line and length. Shaheen Afridi bowled three overs with the new ball inside the first six overs of the innings, while Haris Rauf showed his dominance with the ball, using the pace and aggression as he breathed fire.

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammad Haris forgets basic rules in brain fade moment during PAK vs BAN Super 4 clash of Asia Cup 2025

After the game, Pakistan requested ‘India ko choodna nahi (Don’t spare India)’ to Rauf, holding his hands after the end of the clash as the right-arm pacer nodded with a smile and gave a flying kiss to the fan. It’s just another proof of how tough that clash would prove to be.

Watch: Pakistan fan makes earnest request to Haris Rauf before IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

With the bat, Pakistan smashed 135/8 in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings as the wicket-keeper batter, Mohammad Haris, smashed 31 runs in 23 balls at a strike rate of 134.78 with the help of two boundaries and one six. Mohammed Nawaz nailed 25 runs in 15 deliveries at a strike rate of 166.67, thanks to one boundary and two sixes.

A fan's clear message to Haris Rauf for India vs Pakistan final match of the Asia Cup. 🇵🇰🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/L24Dp1xsql

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) September 25, 2025

In reply, Bangladesh were reduced to 124/9. Shamim Hossain was the leading run-getter of the side with 30 runs in 25 balls, while the batters were not able to put bat on the ball and stay longer at the crease. They fell short of the target by 11 runs and were knocked out of the tournament.

Now, for the very first time in the history of the Asia Cup, Pakistan will face India. They have lost the last seven contests between these two sides while facing successive defeats in the group-stage and Super 4 clashes of the tournament.

Pakistan’s veteran pacer, Haris Rauf, and their young opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, became talking points from the last Super 4 fixture between India and Pakistan from the 2025 season of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with their provocative gestures, which took social media on fire. 

Farhan pulled out the gun and made a celebration of shooting the bullets after he celebrated his half-century against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. However, his milestone was the main reason for his downfall as he ended with 58 runs in 45 balls at a strike rate of under 130. On the other hand, Rauf, who was standing on the edge of the boundary, showed the 6-0 gesture towards the crowd.

See Also: [WATCH] Miscommunication leads to Abhishek Sharma's run-out for 75 during IND vs BAN Super 4 Asia Cup 2025 clash

The pacer also had a heated exchange with the two Indian opening batters, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, after the latter smashed him for a boundary during the second innings. Even though he had a decent game with the ball to take the wicket of Sanju Samson, the result didn’t go Pakistan’s way as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side chased down the target by six wickets.

India file strict action against Pakistan players after Super 4 clash in Asia Cup 2025

India has filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and demanded strict action against the two players. Even their assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, shared his view on the two gestures.

“Let me just say, the amount of pressure that's been heaped on the players because of the situation, it's very difficult to control their behaviour. I did see some of the things Haris did, and, you know, that's not our concern. Like I said earlier, we're really proud of how the guys carried themselves, you know, they were on fire with their bats on the field.” Ten Doeschate expressed in the pre-match press conference against Bangladesh.

Thanks to their superb win, India qualify for the final of the Asia Cup 2025. They will lock horns with the winner of the Pakistan and Bangladesh side in the final, which is scheduled to take place on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.