Asia Cup: Pakistan's likely playing XI against India unveiled

Pakistan and India are set to face off today (Sunday) in the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The clash marks the first time in the 41-year history of the tournament that the two rivals will meet in the final.

India enters the match with two wins over Pakistan earlier in the tournament, while both sides have collectively appeared in 16 Asia Cup finals without ever contesting the decider against each other.

According to team sources, Pakistan will retain the same lineup that defeated Bangladesh in the virtual semi-final. Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been declared fit, while Saim Ayub’s batting order may be adjusted. Hassan Nawaz will not feature in the playing XI.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi urged the team to play with a fearless approach ahead of the high-pressure encounter. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the weight of the occasion, saying the final would be decided by which side makes fewer mistakes.

On the Indian side, fitness concerns have been resolved. Top scorer Abhishek Sharma, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma, have been cleared to play.

Pakistan’s likely playing XI

Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.