The Asia Cup has long been regarded as the premier cricketing battle between Asian nations, delivering high-voltage contests filled with drama and unforgettable moments. From close finishes to surprising upsets, the tournament has always captured the passion of fans.

As anticipation grows for the next edition, the eight-team competition is set to unfold in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Fans in India can enjoy live cricket coverage exclusively on Sony Sports Network channels.

As excitement rises, it’s ideal to look back at the tournament’s most unforgettable encounters. Here’s a look back at 10 memorable encounters that showcase the spirit, intensity, and magic of the Asia Cup.

See Also: Three important reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL retirement could be a mistake

10 Memorable Encounters of Asia Cup:

• India vs Sri Lanka - 1997 Final

The 1997 Asia Cup final at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo turned into a dominant performance by Sri Lanka. India set a respectable total of 239/7, with Mohammad Azharuddin leading the charge through a stylish knock of 81 runs.

In reply, Sri Lanka showcased both composure and authority with the bat. Marvan Atapattu anchored the chase with a fine 84, while Sanath Jayasuriya’s fluent 63 kept the scoreboard ticking. The hosts made light work of the target, finishing the game in just 36.5 overs with eight wickets in hand, sealing the title in emphatic fashion.

• India vs Pakistan - 2012

In yet another gripping India-Pakistan clash, both teams showcased outstanding performances. Pakistan seemed in control as Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez struck centuries to build a strong total. However, the spotlight shifted dramatically when Virat Kohli produced a breathtaking 183, steering India’s chase with authority. Backed by Rohit Sharma’s steady 68, Kohli’s brilliance outshone Pakistan and guided India to a commanding, unforgettable triumph.

• Pakistan vs Bangladesh – 2012 Final

In a nail-biting final in Dhaka, Pakistan set a target of 236 runs. Bangladesh put up a spirited fight, keeping hopes alive of a historic title win. However, the chase ended heartbreakingly close, with the hosts falling short by only two runs. Pakistan’s bowlers displayed composure under immense pressure in the final overs, sealing a dramatic victory and lifting the trophy in one of the most thrilling Asia Cup finishes.

• India vs Pakistan - 2014

This unforgettable one-wicket clash remains one of cricket’s most dramatic moments, remembered for Shahid Afridi’s sensational finish. Chasing India’s 246, Pakistan looked in deep trouble, requiring two sixes from the final two deliveries. With nerves of steel, Afridi launched consecutive sixes off Ravichandran Ashwin, transforming what seemed like certain defeat into an electrifying victory, sparking wild celebrations and cementing his reputation as one of the game’s greatest finishers.

• Sri Lanka vs Pakistan - 2014

In a gripping group-stage encounter, momentum shifted constantly as both sides battled hard. Sri Lanka relied on a mix of steady batting and sharp bowling to stay ahead. Lahiru Thirimanne’s brilliant century anchored the innings, while Lasith Malinga’s devastating five-wicket haul sealed the deal. Despite Pakistan’s late fight, Sri Lanka held their nerve to secure a narrow 12-run win in a match filled with drama and intensity.

• Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 2014

In Mirpur, Bangladesh piled up an impressive 326 runs, powered by Anamul Haque’s brilliant century and crucial half-centuries from Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim. The total looked daunting, but Pakistan began their reply with confidence, as Ahmed Shehzad anchored the chase with a fine 103, keeping his side in contention.

The game, however, swung into high drama in the latter stages. Shahid Afridi unleashed a breathtaking assault, hammering 59 runs from just 25 deliveries to shift the momentum. His fearless hitting reignited Pakistan’s hopes, and despite tense moments, they crossed the line with three wickets remaining. The victory stood out as a stunning comeback, underlining Pakistan’s fighting spirit and explosive batting depth.

• India vs Sri Lanka – 2016

India delivered a dominant display in the final, combining steady batting with sharp, controlled bowling. Restricting Sri Lanka to just 138/9, the bowlers ensured constant pressure throughout the innings. Virat Kohli once again stood tall with the bat, scoring his third consecutive half-century against Sri Lanka. His composed knock guided India smoothly to victory, showcasing their balance and consistency as they claimed the title with confidence and authority.

• Bangladesh vs Pakistan - 2016

At the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, Pakistan managed only 130, with Al-Amin Hossain shining through with figures of 3/25. Bangladesh replied confidently, anchored by Soumya Sarkar’s steady 48 and Mahmudullah’s quick unbeaten 22 off 15 balls. They reached the target in 19.1 overs, sealing a five-wicket triumph. The victory not only boosted their confidence but also ensured their spot in the final, keeping their campaign alive.

• India vs Bangladesh – 2018 Final

In the thrilling Dubai final, Litton Das’s superb century guided Bangladesh to 222, while India’s tense chase faced constant hurdles with Bangladesh striking at crucial moments. The contest stayed tense throughout, keeping fans on edge until the very end, highlighting the drama and intensity of the Asia Cup finale.

Kedar Jadhav, battling a hamstring injury, played a composed and decisive knock that turned the game in India’s favor. His composure in crunch moments secured a thrilling three-wicket win on the last ball, clinching the championship title. The nail-biting finish had every element of drama, ensuring fans remained captivated until the very last ball.

• Sri Lanka vs India - 2022

Sri Lanka showcased their comeback spirit with a commanding display against India, sealing a six-wicket win. The bowlers set the tone early, with Dilshan Madushanka delivering an impressive 3/24 to restrict India’s batting momentum.

During the chase, Sri Lanka’s batters delivered under pressure. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka anchored with steady fifties, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa and captain Dasun Shanaka applied the final flourish to secure victory. Their collective effort highlighted resilience and balance, earning a dramatic and well-deserved victory.

Since the Asia Cup 2025 schedule has been officially announced, many Indians have urged to boycott the India vs Pakistan match in the tournament under the present situation, which is happening in many other India-Pakistan relationships. The U19 World Cup winner, who also played 30+ IPL matches, has come with a sensational feeling about the India vs Pakistan matches in the Asia Cup 2025. 

The complete fixtures of the Asia Cup 2025 were announced officially last Saturday (July 28) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, when India was celebrating the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.

See Also: Sreesanth shares his views on India playing Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

India and Pakistan can face three times in Asia Cup 2025

The United Arab Emirates will host the Asia Cup 2025 between September 9 and 28, which will be played in T20I format. Eight teams will participate in this tournament, while the arch-rivals India and Pakistan are in the same group. If both teams reach the Super 4 and Final, they will face each other three times in the tournament. As India has been boycotting many relationships with Pakistan since the Pahalgam terrorist attack last April, including the cancellation of the recent World Championship of Legends match between India Champions and Pakistan Champions, many Indians have called for the India vs Pakistan match boycotts in the upcoming Asia Cup. 

Asia Cup 2025: Shreevats Goswami calls for forfeit of matches against Pakistan

Wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami was an important member when Virat Kohli-led India U19 won the 2008 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The Bengal cricketer also played 31 IPL matches, as he served for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and SunRisers Hyderabad. He has also brought out his emotional feelings on the India vs Pakistan matches in the upcoming Asia Cup. 

Goswami feels that India should play the Asia Cup 2025 only to help the other Asian cricketing nations grow economically, but should also forfeit any matches against Pakistan in the tournament, even if the trophy is at stake.

My read on the Asia cup going forward is India to & must forfeit the game against Pakistan& let them qualify. We don’t need to win the Asia cup. The only reason India is participating cause it helps other nations economically or else I don’t see any reason. Ideally this is what…

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) July 27, 2025

After the Asia Cup 2025 schedule has been confirmed, former Indian pacer S Sreesanth shared his views on the India vs Pakistan match in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup. 

When we talk about Sreesanth, we will always remember his successful catch in the ICC World T20 2007 Final against Pakistan, after which the entire country celebrated. He was also a member of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy-winning team.  

See Also: 'Boycott Asia Cup..' - Twitter errupts as fan get angry after schedule of Asia Cup was announced

Pakistan shouldn't be allowed: S Sreesanth

In the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan can face each other three times. In the present political situation, while every India-Pakistan relationship has been cancelled, fans are questioning the India-Pakistan clashes in the international cricket tournament. Sreesanth has also raised a similar voice, as he feels that Pakistan shouldn't be allowed in the Asia Cup.

According to the Republic World official website, Sreesanth told the website, "I love the game, but you should put your country first. The way Indians are, we have nothing to prove. India are superb. In my personal view, Pakistan shouldn't be allowed; we should stay away from playing against them. Deshbhakti (Patriotism) comes first. There are rising tensions between the two nations, and Pakistan should take it easy."

Indian cricket fans are bashing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the Asia Cup 2025 schedule was announced on Saturday (July 26). The demand is simple and straight: no more India vs Pakistan match under the present circumstances.

The complete schedule for the T20 Asia Cup 2025 has been announced, which will run between September 9 and 28. India and Pakistan will play in the same group and can face each other thrice in the tournament, if they reach the Super 4 and Final in the competition. 

India Champions vs Pakistan Champions match was cancelled

Since the Pahalgam terrorist attack last April and India's reply as Operation Sindoor, there have been significant tensions between the two countries. We have already experienced many challenges in recent India-Pakistan meetings in world events. Recently, in the World Championship of Legends, the India Champions vs Pakistan Champions match was cancelled, after some Indian cricketers, like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan, reportedly boycotted that match. 

In international cricket, India and Pakistan now only meet in the ICC or ACC tournaments, as they aren't playing any bilateral series after January 2013, due to continuous political issues between the two countries. 

Asia Cup 2025: India’s full match schedule with dates and timings revealed

Why are Indians so angry about the Asia Cup 2025 schedule?

While the Asia Cup 2025 schedule makes the Indian people angry due to India-Pakistan clashes, it puts more fire when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the schedule officially on July 26, while India is celebrating the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations. Now, many Indians are asking tough questions to the BCCI. 

Ravichandran Ashwin spoke the most brutal truth about BCCI and Indian Cricket Team.
You need guts to say such things🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/QGYUc81uzq

— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) July 26, 2025

खून की दलाली बंद कर दो @BCCI इससे अधिक शर्म की बात क्या होगी कि आज जब देश कारगिल के अपने वीर सपूतों को याद कर रहा है तब तुम चंद पैसों के लिए अपना ईमान बेच रहे हों। #SayNoToAsiaCup #AsiaCup2025 #AsiaCup #boycottasiacup #INDvsENG #IndVsPak pic.twitter.com/4KCDuVdWGB

— Rohit seth (@Rohitse23507138) July 26, 2025

खून की दलाली बंद कर दो @BCCI इससे अधिक शर्म की बात क्या होगी कि आज जब देश कारगिल के अपने वीर सपूतों को याद कर रहा है तब तुम चंद पैसों के लिए अपना ईमान बेच रहे हों। #SayNoToAsiaCup #AsiaCup2025 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/QFPddjNzC8

— MSD 💛 / ELVISH💓 /RSB ❤ (@Khangar_singh_3) July 26, 2025

It’s utterly disgraceful that BCCI allowed this person to post such garbage on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Retweet this,till they step back & stop playing any match with Terroristan.#BCCI #AsiaCup2025 #AsiaCup #India #VijayDiwas #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/vCrItXEEVg

— Kalki ♡ (@unfilteredkalki)July 26, 2025

I have told this before and will reiterate it again , if this happens I will quit watching Indian cricket #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/svsJBP9al9

— Dwight K Schrute (@unlucky_bt_not) July 26, 2025

BCCI will play against terrorist country Pakistan in Asia Cup.🤡#AsiaCup2025 #AsiaCup #Bcci #BoycottAsiaCup #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/9qd0aodM7n

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) July 26, 2025

Respect for ravan 😭#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/glMzgcWGiX

— Riya. (@riya_perry) July 26, 2025

BCCI is responding to Indians on playing with Pakistan in Asia Cup😭😭#AsiaCup2025 #AsiaCup #Bcci #BoycottAsiaCup #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/iDq5jOWge2 https://t.co/YdToSv5lRK

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) July 26, 2025

No one can be more mean and shameless than BCCI.When #BCCI is playing #AsiaCup with them, it has forgotten that terrorist Pakistan killed our innocent people after asking their religion. Now their patriotism is over.

Shame on you BCCI#AsiaCup2025 #INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/tMc1G3Zmtg

— kuldeep singh (@kuldeep0745) July 26, 2025

Let's Sink In...✍🏻 pic.twitter.com/3Xa0XiDyR5

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) July 26, 2025

Will BCCI apologise for the way NEERAJ CHOPRA did ?#BoycottAsiaCup pic.twitter.com/0HEKFGEpAa

— ବଦ୍ରୀ ନାରାୟଣ ନନ୍ଦ ( ୨୪ ) (@adhinayakam) July 26, 2025

Cricket lovers, fasten your seatbelts! The Asia Cup 2025 is all geared up to host scintillating T20 action, with the continent's best teams. Here's what you should know about the tournament.
Tournament Format & Teams
T20 Format: Quick-fire, high-intensity matches.
8 Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Oman, UAE, and Hong Kong.
19 Matches: Lots of exciting matches lined up!

ASIA CUP 2025 UPDATES: [Cricbuzz]

- T20I format.
- 8 teams (IND, PAK, SL, BAN, AFG, Oman, UAE, HK)
- 19 games.
- India vs Pakistan could potentially play 3 times.
- UAE or SL as venues.
- September 2nd week to 4th week pic.twitter.com/bb4BiOFhmX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 27, 2025

ALSO SEE: Delhi Capitals Appoint Kevin Pietersen as Mentor for IPL 2025

When & Where?
The tournament will be held in September (2nd to 4th week).
As of now, the venue is not decided but Sri Lanka or UAE are likely to host the event.
India vs Pakistan: A Dream Rivalry!
One of the highlights of this tournament is that India and Pakistan are likely to feature up to three times a group stage once, then the Super Four, and perhaps even once in the final! Cricketing fans could hardly wish for anything more!
Why Is This Asia Cup Important?
This tournament will provide an excellent chance for teams to finalize their squads in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. It will also be a stage for emerging stars to make their presence felt on the global stage.
What's Next?
The official schedule, venues, and fixtures will be announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) soon. Until then, everyone waits with bated breath for this much-awaited tournament, which guarantees edge-of-the-seat action!

Sanath Jayasuriya will replace Chris Silverwood as Sri Lanka’s head coach just before the white-ball series against India. Jayasuriya, the interim head coach, steps in after Silverwood parted ways with the team following a disappointing ICC T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) against India, starting from July 27. At the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka managed to win only one match, beating the Netherlands. They finished third in their group, behind South Africa and Bangladesh.

Jayasuriya takes over as head coach

Silverwood, who became head coach in April 2022, had an early success by leading Sri Lanka to victory in the T20 Asia Cup the same year. He also took the team to the final of the 50-over Asia Cup against India last year.

Jayasuriya’s impressive playing career

Jayasuriya is one of the most attacking batters in cricket history. Between 1991 and 2007, he played 110 Tests, scoring 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries and 31 fifties. In ODIs, he scored 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36 over 445 matches. Jayasuriya played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 ODI World Cup.

Now, Jayasuriya is ready to lead the Sri Lankan team as head coach. Fans are hopeful that his experience and aggressive playing style will inspire the team to perform well against India. The upcoming series promises to be exciting, as two of Asia’s cricket giants face off.