Asia Cup 2025: Five key India-Pakistan match-ups that can decide the outcome

The stage is set at the Dubai International Stadium for a high-voltage clash as India and Pakistan lock horns on September 14 in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Both sides have begun their campaigns with dominant victories and a win will guarantee a place in the Super Four stage. With star-studded lineups on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling contest. We take a look at Top Five individual battles, which are likely to decide the outcome... (AP Photo)

Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Shah Afridi: India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill looked in fine touch against the UAE, remaining unbeaten on 20 off just nine balls at a strike-rate of 222.22. However, his battle against Shaheen Shah Afridi could prove decisive, especially during the powerplay overs if the Pakistani left-arm pacer manages to swing the new ball. (PTI/PCB Photos)

Gill has shown vulnerability against in-swinging deliveries early in his innings, and Shaheen’s ability to bring the ball back into the right-hander makes this matchup even more challenging. Interestingly, this will be the first time Gill faces Shaheen in T20Is. In ODIs, the Indian opener has scored 62 runs off 53 balls against him but also been dismissed twice. (AP Photos)

Hardik Pandya vs Mohammad Nawaz: Another fascinating battle to watch, particularly in the middle and death overs, will be between Hardik Pandya and Mohammad Nawaz. Pandya’s natural attacking intent against spin makes this matchup crucial, but the conditions in Dubai could favour Nawaz. (AP Photos)

On traditionally slow pitches, big-hitters like Pandya often struggle to clear the ropes against left-arm orthodox spinners who turn the ball away from them. Pandya’s recent record against this type of bowling highlights the challenge. In T20Is, his strike-rate against left-arm orthodox spinners was 95.8 in 2022 (10 innings). It dropped further to 82.9 in 2023 (seven innings) and then slid to 81.8 in 2024 (four innings).

On the other hand, Nawaz is in red-hot form with the ball. While he picked up one wicket in Pakistan’s first Asia Cup game against Oman, he was outstanding in the recent T20I Tri-series, where he claimed 10 wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the final against Afghanistan. (AFP Photo)

Suryakumar Yadav vs Sufiyan Muqeem: Sufiyan Muqeem, Pakistan’s left-arm wrist-spinner, could be the go-to option for skipper Salman Ali Agha against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Surya is known for his attacking stroke play, but he has shown signs of struggle against quality wrist-spin. In the IPL 2025, his numbers against Kuldeep Yadav underlined that weakness. He managed just 15 runs off 13 balls before being dismissed, scoring at a strike-rate of 115.4. (AP/Emirates Cricket Board Photos)

Mohammad Haris vs Kuldeep Yadav: Haris comes into this game high on confidence after his 66 off 43 balls against Oman, a knock that also earned him the Player of the Match award. However, India have their own in-form weapon in Kuldeep Yadav, who stamped his authority in the Asia Cup 2025 opener against the UAE with figures of 4/7 in just 2.1 overs. (PCB/BCCI Photos)

The matchup becomes even more interesting given Haris’ recent struggles against left-arm wrist-spin. In the recent tri-series, he was dismissed twice by Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad, scoring only two runs off five balls against him. (PCB Photo)

Saim Ayub vs Jasprit Bumrah: Ayub has built his reputation as an attacking opener. But against the experience of Jasprit Bumrah, things might not come that easy. For Ayub, the key will be to assess the conditions early and show patience at the start. If he goes too hard too soon, Bumrah might have the last laugh. (Emirates Cricket Board/AP Photos)