3 reasons India could defeat Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup started on September 9. Eight teams are competing in the tournament; with arch-rivals India and Pakistan pitted in the same group. The two neighbouring nations are set to meet in a Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14.

Both teams are coming into this encounter on the back of wins. India defeated UAE by nine wickets on September 10, while Pakistan got the better of Oman by 93 runs on September 12. Both the games were played in Dubai.

India, the current T20 World Cup champions, were termed as the favourites leading up to the tournament. The Asian giants have a phenomenal record against Pakistan in Asia Cups. However, both teams will start from a fresh slate on Sunday, as past records would not count for much.

Enough said, here’s a look at what are the three reasons why India could come out on top on Sunday against the Men in Green:

3 reasons India could defeat Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

3. Brilliant T20 form

India won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. Head coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended after this tournament and he was subsequently replaced by Gautam Gambhir. Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain of the T20I team, and he has worked hand in hand with Gambhir to produce brilliant results.

India have won 16 of their last 20 T20Is since the 2024 T20 World Cup. Shubman Gill, who is the current vice-captain, led in the series against Zimbabwe after the World Cup. Since then, the Suryakumar-Gambhir combination has produced stunning results for the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game. India will enter the game against Pakistan on a wave of momentum.

2. Balanced bowling department with plenty of all-rounders

India have a lot of balance in their bowling attack. Yes, the squad seems to have one pacer less than ideal, but the team management has shown faith on the all-round abilities of Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma. And when it comes to all-rounders, seasoned names like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel cannot be missed giving a mention.

In fact, in the game against the UAE, India fielded three spinners, while Arshdeep Singh had to watch from the sidelines. Jasprit Bumrah was the only frontline pacer, with Hardik Pandya and Dube backing him up in the seam-bowling department. The spin trio of Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav can put the Pakistan batters in all sorts of problems, especially through the middle overs.

1. Pakistan’s inconsistency of late

Pakistan have gone through a transition in the last couple of years. They have also changed captains frequently. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan have been tried, while Babar Azam got two bites at the cherry. They eventually settled with Salman Ali Agha, who has produced some decent results, including the tri-series win in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.

However, not many players have been able to cement their spots in the line-up as yet. There is a lot of inexperience, which could be detrimental to Pakistan’s chances in the high-voltage clash against India on Sunday. In 2025, Pakistan have lost series against New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will have to bring their A-game on Sunday to push the rampant Indian team.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.