Pakistan will be looking to turn the tables when they face arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday. India, the 2016 champions, have entered the final unbeaten, defeating every opponent in the eight-team tournament. Their dominance included two wins over Pakistan first in the group stage and later in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025. India maintained their unbeaten run with a thrilling super over victory against Sri Lanka on Friday, but two key players, Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma, missed part of the match due to minor injuries. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has downplayed fitness concerns ahead of Sunday’s final, saying both players are being closely monitored. All-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field in the opening over of Sri Lanka’s innings after dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck, holding his left hamstring, and did not return to play. On the other hand, pener Abhishek Sharma clutched his right thigh during the ninth over. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma filled in as substitute fielders during the innings. “Hardik had cramps. He will be assessed tonight and again tomorrow morning before we take a call,” Morkel clarified. With less than 48 hours to recover, Morkel said the management’s priority was to get the players fully rested.
Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan aims to break India’s winning streak in final
