The Asia Cup 2025 has given fans plenty of excitement, but it all comes down to one last clash- India vs Pakistan in the grand final at Dubai on Sept. 28th, Sunday.
Both teams have fought their way through, yet the buzz is not just about the rivalry but also about whether Pakistan can actually challenge this dominant Indian side.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has made his prediction clear and blunt- he feels Pakistan do not stand even the slightest chance in this contest.
Kris Srikkanth predicts India will crush Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final
Srikkanth pointed out that India have not only beaten Pakistan in their last four T20I meetings, but they have also looked unstoppable overall in this format.
Even when Sri Lanka almost shocked India in the Super Four, he reminded fans that Jasprit Bumrah was not playing.
"I won't give Pakistan even a 1% chance. Yes, you can ask what happened against Sri Lanka and how India were almost beaten. Don't forget Jasprit Bumrah didn't play in the match," said Srikkanth.
MORE: What is 'Qudrat ka Nizaam'? Pakistan hope to get third-time lucky in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final
Instead, India used Harshit Rana, who he described as far below Bumrah’s level, and that gave Sri Lanka some confidence.
"And Harshit Rana, who is a sub-par bowler, played. He is just a film bowler. The Sri Lankan batters derived full confidence only after smashing him. There is an ocean of difference between Bumrah and Harshit Rana," he added.
What happens if Abhishek Sharma fails in the Asia Cup 2025 final?
One of the biggest talking points in this Asia Cup has been Abhishek Sharma’s form. He is the highest run scorer of the tournament with over 300 runs, striking at more than 200.
However, fans have wondered what happens if he fails in the big final. Srikkanth brushed aside those doubts, saying India still have plenty of strong names like Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma.
"India will absolutely clobber Pakistan. Yes, Abhishek Sharma is the main man for India. But I've been asked by many on what will happen if Abhishek Sharma fails," said Srikkanth.
"Even assuming he fails tomorrow through the law of averages, we still have Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson back in form along with Tilak Varma, who has done well in limited opportunities," he added.
MORE: ‘Game-changer in no time’: Shoaib Akhtar’s big praise for Abhishek Sharma | Asia Cup 2025
In contrast, he mocked Pakistan’s lineup by saying they are almost relying on Shaheen Afridi like a batter, which shows the imbalance.
"On the other hand, Pakistan are playing with Shaheen Afridi as their main batter. So even if Abhishek's runs are discounted or if he fails, Pakistan stands no chance against India. Although in the current form, I don't see Abhishek Sharma getting out early unless he gets himself out," he concluded.
The bigger question now is whether Pakistan can defy history and silence the critics or if India will continue their dominance and lift yet another trophy.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Asia Cup 2025? Latest odds, favourites
- Asia Cup 2025: TV channel online live stream and how to watch the T20 tournament from India
- How to bet online on cricket in India and most trusted sites
- All the latest cricket news
- 2025 Asia Cup schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Asia Cup 2025 highest wicket-takers: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in the T20 tournament in UAE
- Asia Cup 2025 highest run scorers: Top 5 batters with most runs in the T20 tournament in UAE