India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday in Dubai - marking the first-ever final between the two rivals in the tournament's history.
India has beaten Pakistan twice already in this edition but Salman Ali Agha's men have battled their way into the final after a spirited win against Bangladesh. With emotions, expectations and history all converging, the spotlight is firmly on how both sides handle the pressure.
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Salman Ali Agha on handling IND vs PAK Asia Cup final pressure
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pakistan captain Agha admitted the weight of the occasion but insisted both teams face the same challenge.
"There is always a lot of pressure on Pakistan and India when they play each other, and if we say that there is no pressure, then it is wrong. Both the teams will have the same amount of pressure," he said.
The Pakistan skipper stressed that mistakes had cost his side in previous games and that minimizing errors would be crucial to turning things around.
"We have made more mistakes than them and that is why we have not won matches. If we make fewer mistakes than them, we will win," he added.
More: IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final tickets sold out in Dubai
Pakistan captain backs aggression and free expression in Asia Cup
The tournament has been marked by off-field headlines - from gestures on the boundary to political remarks. Agha defended his players' freedom to express themselves as long as it stayed respectful.
"If you take away aggression from a fast bowler, then nothing is left.. If an individual wants to be aggressive on the ground, most welcome whether he is from our team or theirs," he defended.
Salman Ali Agha disappointed over no handshakes
Agha also expressed regret at the absence of handshakes between the two teams after matches. He called it something unprecedented in his cricketing experience.
"Even when India-Pakistan relations were worse, there was always a handshake. So, I don't think not having a handshake is good for cricket," he said.
On the distractions surrounding the game, Salman said his team was only focused on cricket.
"Whatever the media is doing, or whatever people are saying, is not in our control. Our goal is to win the Asia Cup, and we will come to the ground for it tomorrow," he concluded.
With both teams high on confidence in the lead-up to the final, the clash promises to be a defining moment in Asia Cup history.
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