The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup 2025 has already provided a spectacle on the field and off the field. The clash between the two teams was the first match in a group stage this year after the Operation Sindoor and the terror attacks at Pahalgam. The battle was dominated by India, and Pakistan was left without a ball to play as the Indian team went back to their hotel, which gave the series a tense feeling. This commitment to the win by Suryakumar Yadav further fanned the fire as tensions were simmering before the next stint in the Super 4 stage.
Pakistan had threatened to pull out of the tournament, but finally remained after emergency ICC talks. Haris Rauf and his teammates started harassing India in training sessions, attempting to react to the perceived snub in the first game. The taunts of Rauf were still ongoing when the second match started, but the game was much more promising. Although Pakistan has had a more convincing fight, a robust opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill guaranteed India a win long before the end of the game.
This time, with the Asia Cup final in sight, the pressure is greater than ever before. India has shown spurts of brilliance, but Pakistan has shown strength, defeating all other teams in the tournament except India. They have momentum going to the final, with a particularly spectacular defence of 135 against Bangladesh.
Bowling by India, which is reinforced by the resurgence of Jasprit Bumrah following a break, will play an important role. But even Bumrah has demonstrated weaknesses with all-rounders Pandya and Shivam Dube having to support him in keeping Pakistan batsmen at bay. Having known their strengths and weaknesses, both parties would make the end a high-pressure encounter. The final of the 2017 Champions Trophy is not forgotten, as it reminds India that Pakistan can take the title once they get an opportunity.
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News