In a historic first, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns in the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 Finals.
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India enters the final unbeaten, while Pakistan has lost two games -- both to the Men In Blue in this edition of the Asia Cup. The marquee clash is spiced up more than ever, with what has transpired between the two sides since their first match on September 14.
As the two sides prepare for the marquee clash, The Sporting News looks at the Top five player battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
1. Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi
One of the key battles to look for when the two sides face off will be between the Indian opener Abhishek Sharma and Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Afridi.
Abhishek has been in red-hot form, smashing the pacer for first-ball boundaries on both occasions when the two sides previously met during this edition of the Asia Cup.
In their head-to-head battle, the Indian opener clearly has the upper hand, scoring 31 runs in 14 balls at a strike rate of over 220.
Abhishek is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, while Afridi is third on the wicket-takers list. This early battle between the two could prove to be vital for their sides.
2. Suryakumar Yadav vs Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf, the Pakistani pace bowler, got the better of the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav when the two sides met during the Super 4s clash. While Surya has not been at his fluent best in this tournament, his role batting at 3 for India would be crucial for the side in the Finals.
Rauf is coming off a brilliant spell against Bangladesh in a virtual knockout game, where he picked 3 crucial wickets, leading his side to a victory in a low-scoring thriller.
Surya vs Rauf Head-to-Head in T20Is
| Runs | Balls | Outs | Dots | 4s | 6s | Average | SR |
| 11 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 3.7 | 110.0 |
While the sample size is of just 10 balls, Rauf has been dominant in the head-to-head battle between the two players. If SKY can get past Rauf, he could guide India to a better position, especially in the high-pressure game.
3. Fakhar Zaman vs Jasprit Bumrah
This could well be the most crucial player battle when the two sides meet in the finals. Fakhar Zaman is arguably Pakistan's best batter, and when he comes up against Jasprit Bumrah, the best bowler in the world, fireworks are expected from both ends.
While Bumrah has never dismissed Zaman in International cricket, their overall numbers, including the ODIs, suggest a tough head-to-head battle between the two players. The two men have faced off for a total of 64 balls across formats, with the batter scoring 41 runs at a strike rate of around 69.
Bumrah had a rare day off in the last game against Pakistan and was taken for runs, leaking 45 in his 4 overs. He, however, was back at his best against Bangladesh, finishing an exceptional spell of 2/18 in his 4 overs.
4. Varun Chakravarthy vs Sahibzada Farhan
Shahibzada Farhan, the Pakistani opener, was in good touch in the last game against the Men in Blue. He scored a fifty and maneuvered the game in the middle overs. His battle with India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy would be key during the middle overs.
Chakravarthy, while wicketless, was exceptional in containing the run flow, with a spell of 0/25 in the Super 4s clash against Pakistan. The Pakistani batters were finding it difficult to pick him. He could play an integral role for India in the Finals.
5. Shubman Gill vs Saim Ayub
While Saim Ayub, the batter, has had a forgetful Asia Cup, his bowling has proved crucial for the Men in Green. The spinner has bowled some crucial overs in the powerplay and has picked wickets at regular intervals.
India's vice-captain, Shubman Gill, was deceived by an away turner from Ayub when India faced Pakistan in a league game on September 14. Gill, however, got the better of the off-spinner in their Super 4s clash, heating the battle.
The Indian vice-captain has had his fair share of struggles and successes against off-spinners in the shortest format. While he scores at a strike rate of 152 against the off-spinners, he only averages 16 and has been dismissed 5 times in 14 innings against the type of bowling.
Gill has scored 31 off 17 balls from Ayub in this Asia Cup and has a healthy strike rate of 177.8. As the sides collide in the finals, this battle early on in the power play could well prove to be a deciding factor in the game.
MORE: What is India's H2H record vs Pakistan in tournament finals?
When is the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Finals?
India and Pakistan will play in the final of the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India has already beaten the Men In Green twice in this edition and will look to triple over the arch rivals, while Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to pull one back and have the last laugh.
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