India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Fresh pitch sets stage for a potential high-scoring thriller

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: Match to be played on fresh pitch. (AP Photo)

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: The Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan will be played on a fresh pitch, reported Times of India (TOI) on Sunday (September 14). Given that pitches in Dubai are usually slow and favor spin bowlers, this new change could set the stage for a high-scoring match.

Coming to the weather conditions, according to AccuWeather, Dubai is likely to see hot and humid weather on Sunday, with daytime temperatures climbing to about 39 degrees Celsius and the humidity making it feel closer to 44 degrees Celsius.

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Rain isn’t expected, though winds could blow at speeds of up to 33 km/h. The evening is forecast to remain warm and clear, although air quality may be poor.

Talking about the rivalry, India have long held the upper hand in their Pakistan rivalry in T20I cricket, boasting a dominant 10-3 head-to-head record. Pakistan’s last two losses came in Melbourne and New York - matches where they appeared to be in control before India turned the tables late on.

However, Dubai has given Pakistan brighter memories: from Shaheen Shah Afridi’s devastating left-arm spell in 2021 to their successful chase of a stiff target in 2022.

Under the leadership of captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson, the team is transitioning towards a more progressive style of T20 cricket - still a work in progress but a clear step forward.

Hesson even recently labeled Mohammad Nawaz as the best spinner in the world, a statement that underscores how pivotal spin bowling could be in this clash. Both sides possess a deep arsenal of spin options, which are likely to play a decisive role in the contest.