Asia Cup 2025 showdown: India aims to continue unbeaten run as Pakistan seeks revenge

Dubai: The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is widely regarded as one of the most intense and captivating in the sporting world. Each encounter between these arch-rivals transcends the game itself, drawing millions of viewers and generating passionate emotions from fans on both sides. As the two teams prepare to face off again in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, the stakes are higher than ever.

Recent India vs Pakistan Match Recap

The last encounter between India and Pakistan in this Asia Cup was held just a week ago on September 14, 2025, in the group stage at the same venue. India won convincingly by seven wickets with 25 balls to spare. Pakistan set a modest target of 128 runs, with their innings anchored by some resistance from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem. However, India’s batting lineup, led by an explosive 31 off 13 balls from Abhishek Sharma and a steady 47 not out by captain Suryakumar Yadav, chased down the total with relative ease. Kuldeep Yadav shone with the ball, taking three wickets for only 18 runs.

The Boycott Controversy

The group stage match sparked tensions when Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team after the game. The Indian side, led by Yadav and partner Shivam Dube, walked straight to their dressing room without engaging in the customary post-match handshake, citing solidarity with the victims of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, attributed by Indian officials to Pakistan-based terrorists.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal protest to the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging bias against the match referee Andy Pycroft, who had reportedly advised Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with the Indian captain. PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament, threatening to boycott their next match against the UAE if their demands were not met. The ICC rejected the demand, leading to heightened tensions and a near withdrawal from the Asia Cup by Pakistan.

Despite the threat, Pakistan eventually played their subsequent match against the UAE after receiving an apology from Pycroft and a short delay. The controversy drew widespread attention beyond cricket, with commentators like Harsha Bhogle cautioning against issuing ultimatums that cannot be enforced.

What’s at Stake Today

Both teams enter the Super Four clash with much to prove. India aims to continue their unbeaten run and maintain dominance in the Asia Cup rivalry. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to overcome recent controversies and their earlier defeat to mount a strong challenge. With a place in the Asia Cup final at stake, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting another heated contest from these longstanding adversaries.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network in India and streamed online on SonyLIV at 08:00 PM IST.

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