India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on a bright note as they thrashed hosts UAE by 9 wickets. UAE were bowled out for just 57 runs and India chased down the total in only 4.3 overs for the loss of one wicket.
Kuldeep Yadav was the star performer for the Men in Blue, as he picked up four wickets and conceded just seven runs in 2.1 overs. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill played fiery knocks of 30 and 20, respectively, to guide India smoothly towards their target.
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Now, the focus shifts to Sunday's big-ticket clash where arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to lock horns at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14.
Going by recent form and squad strength, India are leaps and bounds ahead of their rivals, although T20 cricket is all about uncertainty. India's record against Pakistan in the white-ball format, too, has been enviable as they have won the majority of their head-to-head clashes, that too convincingly.
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Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has now shared his opinion on the highly anticipated clash as he predicted the likely winners of the contest.
Rashid Latif feels India are 'ahead' of Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 clash
Latif gave the edge to rivals India as the former player felt that India's squad strength and the balance in their team are at a much higher level compared to Pakistan.
Speaking to IANS, Latif said: "Kuldeep, Axar, Varun, Jasprit, Hardik and Shivam are all good bowlers. They have five batters and five bowlers that make a good combination. There will be a lot of pressure on both teams. The winner will be ‘Sikandar’ (Warrior)."
He added: "I want Pakistan to win, but if analysed on skill, India are ahead. The competition is so fierce in India that even performers like Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Bishnoi and Ishan Kishan are missing from the squad. Pakistan don’t have that depth."
What next for the Pakistan cricket team?
Before facing India on Sunday, Pakistan will begin their journey in the Asia Cup 2025 with a clash against minnows Oman on Friday.
MORE: Aakash Chopra speaks on India’s 9-wicket rout of UAE
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