Dubai / September 27, 2025 — Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup final against India, promising that his team will leave nothing in the tank when the two arch-rivals collide in Dubai.
“It’s a high-pressure game, yes, but we’re excited, we’re hungry, and we’ll be giving it everything to win this final,” Agha said on Saturday, speaking to the press a day before what’s being billed as the biggest clash of the tournament. “We are good enough to beat anyone on our day, and that’s the mindset we’re carrying into this match.”
A Rivalry That Needs No Hype
India vs. Pakistan never comes quietly. Add the words Asia Cup final into the mix, and the atmosphere in Dubai has already reached fever pitch. For the first time ever, the two countries are meeting in the Asia Cup final — and with both sides bringing contrasting forms, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
India, unbeaten so far in the tournament, have looked clinical. Pakistan, meanwhile, stumbled against India twice earlier in the campaign but clawed their way back with a gritty win over Bangladesh in their last Super Four outing, defending just 135 runs to secure their place in the final.
Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar, known for his bold takes, urged Pakistan to go for India’s “hawa” (aura) and not back down. “This is the moment to show fight. Finals are about seizing the opportunity,” he said in a video message.
Pakistan Under Scrutiny
Despite reaching the final, doubts linger around Pakistan’s camp. Critics like ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan have called the team “insecure,” pointing to frequent captaincy changes and inconsistent selection policies. Agha, however, brushed off such talk.
“We can’t control the noise outside. Our focus is on playing good cricket, staying together as a unit, and delivering when it matters,” he stressed.
The Pakistan captain also hinted at a more aggressive approach, saying the team would not hold back in key moments: “We’ll be looking to attack — with bat and ball. You can’t play India cautiously; you have to go at them.”
What Could Decide the Final
Analysts say this final may come down to the small moments:
Powerplays: Can Pakistan’s top order survive India’s pace attack?
Spin battles: India’s spinners have been pivotal; Pakistan’s middle order will need answers.
Death overs: Nerves in the final five overs often decide Indo-Pak games.
Fielding: A dropped catch or misfield could turn the tide.
More Than Just Cricket
The buildup hasn’t been without drama. Earlier in the tournament, India’s refusal to shake hands after a group-stage win sparked protests from Pakistan’s side, adding political undertones to an already heated rivalry.
Still, Agha insists Sunday is about cricket alone. “Finals are about holding your nerve and playing brave cricket. That’s what we want to do,” he said.
For Pakistan, it’s a chance to silence critics and script history. For India, it’s about asserting dominance and completing a hat-trick of wins over their rivals in this tournament.
Either way, the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai promises to be a showdown the cricketing world won’t forget anytime soon.
