Pakistan's T20 team can beat India: Aqib Javed makes bold claim for Asia Cup

Pakistan selector Aqib Javed has expressed strong confidence in Pakistan’s chances against India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, emphasising the strength and balance of the current squad.

Historically, however, Pakistan’s record against India in T20 Internationals hasn’t been favourable. Out of 13 encounters, India have won nine matches, while Pakistan have secured just three victories. One match ended in a tie, which India won via a bowl-out during the T20 World Cup 2027.

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Pakistan’s most recent T20I win over India came in the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four stage in Dubai, where they successfully chased a target of 182 with just one ball to spare.

“Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India. India vs Pakistan matches are always huge. This 17-member squad can defeat any team. We shouldn’t put pressure on them, but I have high hopes for this squad,” Javed said at a media conference.

Pakistan’s group match against India is on Sunday, September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Babar, Rizwan aren’t completely sidelined

Javed also stated that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have every chance of making a T20 comeback, just as players like Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhar Zaman did. Both Babar and Rizwan haven’t played T20Is this year, having last played in December 2024.

“It’s not that we are completely sidelining them. The current choices reflect how a player develops. I’ve given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled but later created an impact," he stated.

"You can’t put a stamp on any player’s career—opportunities are always there. Right now, they’re gaining experience in leagues like the Big Bash and PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play,” Javed added.

The Asia Cup is scheduled to begin on September 9 with Pakistan first playing on Friday, September 12 against Oman in Dubai.

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Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: Aug 17, 2025

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