The Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai has all the makings of another India-Pakistan classic. It's the first time in 41 years that the two teams have met in the tournament's title clash and while India arrive as the more settled side, Pakistan remain unpredictable.
The build-up has been loud, the spotlight heavy and once again, the cricket world is waiting to see which script unfolds on Sunday night.
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Harsha Bhogle's take on Pakistan's chances in Asia Cup final
Speaking on Cricbuzz, commentator Harsha Bhogle cautioned against reading too much into Pakistan's stumbles earlier in the tournament.
"I've seen Pakistan for too many years to try and draw a correlation between what's happened so far and what is likely to happen. At the moment, yes, India look stronger, but anything can happen in the final," Bhogle said.
He added that for Pakistan to compete, their bowlers would need to stifle India in the middle overs: "If Pakistan can bowl well there, that's their chance. If India dominate the powerplay and cruise through the middle overs, they will coast."
Dinesh Karthik praised India's composure under pressure during Asia Cup
Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik underlined how India's ability to stay calm could prove decisive.
"In big games, good players find a way to focus on the moment. This Indian team has shown that apart from skill, their strength is in delivering under pressure," Karthik explained.
He also highlighted the battle between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the innings, calling it a contest to watch closely.
Bhogle pointed out that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha must find form quickly if his side are to mount a serious challenge. On the Indian side, he suggested that a single strong innings from Suryakumar Yadav could make an already dominant team even harder to stop.
Karthik said Gautam Gambhir's role as India's coach was simplified by the side's form: "All he has to do is tell them to keep repeating what they have done so far."
For all the talk, what happens on the field will matter most. India hold a 12-3 lead over Pakistan in T20Is but finals have a way of rewriting narratives. With sold-out crowds, public screenings and unprecedented attention, the stage in Dubai is set.
Whether it's remembered for cricketing skill or the drama surrounding it will be decided on Sunday.
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