New Delhi: For the first time in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan are set to clash in the tournament’s final. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for September 28 in Dubai, marking an unprecedented summit clash between the arch-rivals.
Pakistan secured their place in the final with a thrilling 11-run victory over Bangladesh in their last Super 4 match. Despite a dramatic batting collapse, the team posted 135/8, thanks to a resilient 31-run cameo off 23 balls by Mohammad Haris. Bangladesh fought valiantly but fell short at 124/9. Shaheen Shah Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack, defending the modest total with precision under pressure.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence ahead of the final against India. “We are a good enough team to beat anyone. We will come back on Sunday and try to do that,” he said, praising Afridi as a “special player” and acknowledging the need for batting improvements before the title clash.
India, unbeaten in the tournament, had already secured their spot in the final, having defeated Pakistan in both their previous encounters. With eight Asia Cup titles to their name, India is the most successful team in the tournament’s history, while Pakistan has won two finals and ranks third in overall triumphs.
The September 28 final is historic not only for being the first India-Pakistan title clash but also for the long-standing legacy of both teams in the Asia Cup. Previous finals have seen India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan lifting the trophy across both ODI and T20I formats, but the two neighbours have never met at the summit stage making this final a landmark event in Asian cricket.
The stage is now set for a high-voltage, historic encounter that promises to captivate fans across the subcontinent.
