Explained: How Can India And Pakistan Clash For A 3rd Time In Asia Cup 2025? | Cricket News

The off-field antics and political discourse have dominated the narratives around the India-Pakistan games in the 2025 Asia Cup. However, the on-field action has been equally, if not more, interesting.

The Men in Green were completely outplayed when these sides met for the first time in the tournament, in a group-stage clash last Sunday. Their batting lineup looked jittery and out of sorts, and folded for just 127/9 in their 20 overs, a sub-par score even on the spin-bowling-friendly track of the Dubai International Stadium.

In reply, India were contrasting in their confidence, professionally finishing off the target in 15.5 overs with seven wickets to spare. Pakistan’s bowling had some fight in it, but the target was never big enough to put Suryakumar Yadav’s men under enough pressure to force mistakes.

Pakistan didn’t beat India, but easily brushed aside the UAE and Oman in the group stage to qualify for the Super Four. In this stage, all four teams play one match against each other.

This Sunday (September 21) saw a better performance from Salman Agha’s men. Again put to bat first, they scored 171/5, which was an excellent total for the conditions. The batters were lucky with India dropping several catches and the likes of Jasprit Bumrah not being at his best form, but the methods were different too, with a genuine intent to attack in the powerplay and at the death, a breath of fresh air.

India were still too good in reply. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill replied to the aggression with a swagger of their own, putting up a 105-run opening stand in less than 10 overs. It meant that when Pakistan spinners came into play in the 10-15 over mark, the middle and lower-order could easily canter towards the target, allowing Tilak Varma to finish things off in the 19th over.

India-Pakistan action might not be over just yet

Thanks to the format, Pakistan might have another chance to beat India. It’ll be the last opportunity, and for it, coach Mike Hesson will have to conjure up a charge to the final of the tournament.

The finalists for the tournament will be the teams that finish in the top two of the Super Four stage. Currently, India are at the top, with Bangladesh in second after a win over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

For a third India-Pakistan game to happen, the rivals will have to do enough to reach the final. India will need to beat at least one of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Pakistan will have to secure wins over both. In that way, India will have six points and Pakistan four, with Bangladesh at two and Sri Lanka zero.

But there are other viable scenarios, too. For example, if Bangladesh lose to Pakistan and India, but Sri Lanka beat Pakistan: in this way, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh can have two points each, with net run-rate deciding who’ll go ahead.