Okay, guys! That is it from the live blog of India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match. India continue their winning run in the tournament with fourth consecutive win. Stay connected with us for the other matches of Super Four. For now, it's a goodbye until we meet again.

"The way the boys are stepping up in every game, it's making my job very easy. The boys showed a lot of character. They were calm after the first 10 overs (of India's bowling innings). After drinks, I told them the game starts now. That's fine, he's not a robot, he will have a bad day someday (talking about Bumrah). Dube bailed us out of the situation. They complement each other really well (Abhishek and Gill). It's like a fire and ice combination. After the first innings, our fielding coach has emailed all players who had butter fingers today," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav.

"We are yet to play a perfect game, but we are getting there. A great game but in the powerplay they took the game away from us. After 10 overs, we could have got 10-15 more. 170-180 is a good total but in the powerplay they batted well, that was the difference. If you see the bowlers are going for runs, you need to change it, that's how it goes in T20s. There's a lot of positives - the way Fakhar batted, Farhan batted and Harry bowled," said Pakistan captain Salman Agha.

Abhishek Sharma has won the Player of the Match award for his 74-run knock off 39 balls. "Today was pretty simple, the way they were coming out to us without any reason, I did not like it at all. That's why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team. We have been playing since school days, we enjoy each other's company, we thought we would do it and today was the day. The way he was giving it back, I really enjoyed it. If you see someone playing like this, that's the intent I show and I'm practicing really hard and if it's my day, I'm gonna win it for my team," he said during the post-match presentation.

"India has outplayed Pakistan in every department. Overall, the talent has been incredible. Indian team has been exceptional today," said Pakistan great Wasim Akram on-air after the game. He also praised India opener Abhishek Sharma. "Incredible to watch," said the former Pakistan bowling all-rounder.

India won the game with seven balls to spare, but the victory was much more easier than what the stats say, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's fiery knock. In the chase of 172 runs, Abhishek scored 74 off 39 balls, with the help of six fours and five sixes. The innings more or less sealed the game for India and what remained was a mere formality for India's formidable batting line-up. Shubman Gill's 47 off 28 also helped the team's cause.

A full toss from Shaheen Afridi and Tilak Varma has finished the game for India with a four towards deep backward square-leg. India win the match by 6 wickets, continuing their dominance over Pakistan in the recent past. This is India's seventh consecutive victory over Pakistan in completed matches across formats.

A fuller ball from Shaheen Afridi and Tilak Varma has smashed it down the ground for a biggie. That went for 92 metres over the long-off. India need just two runs to win the game. They are just one hit away from sealing this contest.

10 runs came off the final over of Faheem Ashraf. India need 9 runs in 12 balls. They are just a couple of hits away from winning this game. Shaheen Afridi comes up to bowl his final over. Can he bring a twist in the tale?

IND 163/4 (18)

A short ball from Faheem Ashraf and Tilak Varma has dispatched it over the square leg for a six. This will take some pressure off the southpaw, who was not even scoring run-a-ball before this. India need 13 runs in 16 balls.

Hardik Pandya seems to have come prepared from the dugout. Haris Rauf bowled a fuller ball onto the pads of Pandya and the right-handed batter flicked it away for a four towards the cow corner. A wide and a dot ball follows. Eight runs came off the over, while Rauf ended his quota of four overs with figures of 2 for 26.

IND 153/4 (17)

This is a poor shot selection from Sanju Samson and he has been cleaned up. It was a short of length ball from Rauf and Samson tried to heave it on the leg side. The batter completely missed the ball that hit the middle stump. Pakistan see a glimpse of hope here.

Samson b Haris Rauf 13(17)

IND 148/4 (16.4)

Abrar Ahmed has bowled a five-run over to keep Pakistan alive in this contest. India need 27 runs in 24 balls. They just need one good over to seal the deal. Will that happen or Pakistan fight back? Haris Rauf comes up to bowl his final over.

Tilak Varma has smashed this one down the ground for a four. It was a fuller delivery from Shaheen Afridi and Tilak played a lofted drive over it. India need 33 runs in 32 balls. They are slowly and gradually reaching the target.

IND 139/3 (14.4)

13.3 - Wow! That is an exquisite cover drive from Sanju Samson for a four. It was a tad fuller and the right-handed batter drove it handsomely on the up to smash it through the gap between extra cover and mid-off fielders. Class was written all over it!

Abrar Ahmed has bowled a nine-run over. India need 46 runs in 42 balls. They are still well ahead in this game. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma are there in the middle and should do the job for India quite comfortably.

Abhishek Sharma smashed Abrar Ahmed for a six over cow corner before getting out on the very next delivery. It was a short ball around the tramline and Abhishek chipped it from there to the fielder at long-on. Haris Rauf ran in from the deep and took the catch. Soon after completing the catch, he threw the ball on the ground in an aggressive celebration.

Abhishek Sharma c Haris Rauf b Abrar Ahmed 74(39)

IND 123/3 (12.2)

11 runs came off the second over from Faheem Ashraf. Just when it seemed Pakistan were getting back in the game slowly and gradually, Abhishek Sharma has put India in the driving seat again. He welcomed Ashraf with a four down the ground and then smashed one through the sweeper cover. India need 55 runs in 48 balls.

IND 117/2 (12)

Haris Rauf has bowled a one-run over with one wicket in it. India need 66 runs in 54 balls. The asking rate of 7.33 is not a concern for them, they just need a decent partnership to seal this game. Pakistan, on the other hand, need a miraculous show to make a game out of this.

IND 106/2 (11)

Poor shot selection from Suryakumar Yadav and the India captain pays the price for it. It was a fuller ball from Haris Rauf around off-stump and SKY went across in an attempt to hit it behind square on the leg side. He ended up finding a leading edge that carried to the player at third man.

Suryakumar Yadav c Abrar Ahmed b Haris Rauf 0(3) 

Shubman Gill has been cleaned up by Faheem Ashraf. Once again, it is an inswinging delivery that gets the better of Gill. It was pitched up and swung into the right-handed batter. Gill went for a drive but produced a huge bat-pad gap and the ball sneaked through it to hit the off and middle stumps. India are one down.

Gill b Faheem Ashraf 47(28)

IND 105/1 (9.5)

Faheem Ashraf bowled a short ball. Shubman Gill danced down the track and slammed it through the extra cover for a couple of runs. After completing the second run, Gill asked for the physio as he was seen in some discomfort.

This turned out to be a good over from Haris Rauf. Only five runs came off it. It won't bother India though as they are in the driving seat. Their scoring rate is 11.22 while the asking rate is just 6.45.  Notably, this is the first time in the ongoing Asia Cup that an opening pair has added 100 runs.

A single from Abhishek Sharma and India have reached the mark of 100  runs in just 52 overs. What a stunning show this is from the Men in Blue. They need just 72 runs in 68 balls from this point. It should be a cakewalk for them.

Abhishek Sharma raced to his half-century in 24 balls. He got there on the fourth ball of the over. The southpaw smashed a four on the off-side to reach the mark. 11 runs came off the over from Saim Ayub. India need 76 runs in 72 balls.

IND 96/0 (8)

7.2 - Saim Ayub pitches it up and Shubman Gill has played a reverse-sweep on it for a four. That comfortably went over the in-field and and ran away for a four. The Indian openers are putting on a show here in Dubai.

Abhishek Sharma smashed another six to Abrar Ahmed on the fifth ball of the over. This time Sahibzada Farhan went for a catch at long-on but he failed to take it. The ball hit his hand and went out of the fence for a biggie. 16 runs came off the over. 

6.2 - Abrar Ahmed bowled it into the slot of Abhishek Sharma and the southpaw handsomely slow-swept it for a biggie. He is playing effortlessly like he always does. Pakistan are on the receiving end of his wrath this time.

A short ball from Saim Ayub and Shubman Gill has slammed it for another four. What a powerplay this was for the Indian cricket team! They have scored 69 runs without the loss of any wicket. Supreme dominance this is! Gill is batting on 35 off 18, while Abhishek Sharma is 33 off 18. 

5.1 - A good length from Sail Ayub but Abhishek Sharma adjusted brilliantly to score a boundary. He rocked back and then slammed it down the ground for a four. The ball went over the mid-off. India are flying high at the moment.

Wow! That is a sensational shot from Shubman Gill. It was a short ball from Haris Rauf and Gill slammed it through the deep mid-wicket for a four. Soon after the shot, Abhishek Sharma, at the non-striker's end, got involved in some heated altercation with Rauf. 12 came off the over. India need 117 runs in 90 balls.

4.2 - A fuller ball from Haris Rauf and Abhishek Sharma slashed it really hard. The pace on the ball did the rest as the ball comfortably went over the in-field to run away for a four through the third man region. This is turning out to be a terrific start from India.

A short ball from Abrar Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma has pulled it away for a four through the deep mid-wicket. A tad fuller delivery follows and Abhishek has swept it for a massive six on the leg side. It went for 83 metres. Abrar bowled a dot ball to end the over. 12 came off it.

IND 43/0 (4)

Shubman Gill smashed one four over the mid-off to Shaheen Afridi. He later hit the pacer for another four through covers. A total of 12 runs came off the over. So far, this is a superb start from India in the chase of 172 runs. They are scoring 10-plus runs per over.

That was really close. It was a rising delivery from Shaheen Afridi with good pace on it. The ball hurried Abhishek Sharma on the pull and he ended up miscuing it on the leg side. Nawaz ran to his right from mid-wicket and got a hand to it but the ball popped out.

Poor ball from Saim Ayub and it got the right treatment. The Pakistan spinner sprayed it down the leg side to Shubman Gill and the Indian opener glanced it away for a four. Ayub bowled a carrom ball next and Gill smashed it from the backfoot for a four through the extra cover. A single followed. 10 runs came off the over.

IND 19/0 (2)

Abhishek Sharma jumped out of his crase and Shaheen Afridi followed him with a lower full toss. The Indian opener flicked it on the leg side for a single and retained the strike. Nine runs came off the first over from Shaheen.

IND 9/0 (1)

Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Abhishek Sharma is on the strike, Shubman Gill is at the other end. Here we go... SIX! The chase has begun with a six over fine leg. Shaheen bowled a bouncer to Abhishek and the India opener pulled it over the fence for the boundary.

How Shaheen Afridi fares in his first spell will have a huge say on the result of the game. Abhishek Sharma performed well against the pacer in the previous face-off, but it was a paltry chase for India. It will be interesting to see how Abhishek bats this time against the ace Pakistan pacer. The second innings is coming up.

Fakhar Zaman took Pakistan off to a fiery start but India managed to get his wicket early through Hardik Pandya. Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub then stitched a solid 72-run partnership. India bounced back with some quick wickets, thanks to Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav. Sahibzada Farhan's 58-run knock helped Pakistan's cause while the lower-order batters combined to take the side to a good total. Jasprit Bumrah's expensive spell and four dropped catches hurt India badly. 

Hardik Pandya fails to find his yorker this time outside off-stump and Faheem Ashraf has carved it over the fielder at backward point for a six. 14 runs came off the final over from Hardik. He returns 1 for 29 in 3 overs. Meanwhile, Pakistan post a good total of 171 for 5 in 20 overs. "171 is the average winning score here in Dubai," said Wasim Akram on-air.

Jasprit Bumrah bowled a full toss to Faheem Ashraf and the batter slammed him for a six over fine leg. Asraf miscued on the very next ball but Shubman Gill dropped the easy catch at mid-wicket. The batters stole a couple during that drop. It was the fourth catch that India dropped in this innings. A dot ball followed it. Bumrah finished his quota with figures of 0 for 45.

This is such a bizarre run-out that sees Mohammad Nawaz depart for 21. It was a direct throw from Suryakumar Yadav that caught Nawaz short of his crease. Salman Agha hit the ball on the leg side and took a single. Nawaz, who was at the striker's end, came a couple of steps foward after that to take a second run. He then went on to return to his crease but lack of game awareness saw him fail to make it to the other end in time. 

Nawaz run out (Suryakumar Yadav) 21(19)

PAK 149/5 (18.3)

This turned out to be an expensive over from Shivam Dube. He leaked 17 runs in it. The medium pacer was slammed for a six over the cow corner before leaking a four. Meanwhile, Dube finished his quota of four overs with figures of 2 for 33.

A lower full toss from Shivam Dube outside off-stump. Mohammad Nawaz slashed hard and got a thick outside edge. The ball went through the slip beating the short third man for a four. By the time the fielder in the circle moved a bit, the ball whizzed past him.

It was a good recovery from Kuldeep Yadav. He was hit for a six on the first ball of the over but conceded only two runs in the remaining five balls. The left-arm wrist spinner finished his quota of four overs with figures of 1 for 31.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha jumped out his crease and slammed this one over the long-off for a six. The fielder at the boundary just saw it sail over his head for the biggie. It didn't come out from the middle of Agha's bat but had enough power to go over the fence. 

Varun Chakaravarthy came up to bowl his fourth and final over and he conceded just two runs in it. Mohammad Nawaz found it really hard to play the mystery spinner. Four overs are remaining in this innings, and 200 seems a distant dream for Pakistan now.

Another superb over from Shivam Dube. He picked the wicket of half-centurion Sahibzada Farhan, while conceding only four runs in it. This has been a superb recovery from India after Pakistan's terrific partnership for the second wicket.

Another wicket for Shivam Dube! He is bowling smartly and has got the reward for it again. Set batter Sahibzada Farhan is gone for 58 off 45 balls. This is a massive blow to Pakistan. Dube, once again, kept the ball away from the batter, and Farhan ended up slicing it in the air. Suryakumar Yadav took the catch at extra cover.

Sahibzada Farhan c Suryakumar Yadav b Shivam Dube 58(45)

Hussain Talat is OUT! Kuldeep Yadav provides India the wicket and the side is truly back in the game. It was pitched up from Kuldeep with enough flight on it. Talat went for a reverse-sweep but got beaten by the flight. All he could do was to find an edge for an easy catch to Varun Chakravarthy at short third.

Hussain Talat c Varun Chakaravarthy b Kuldeep Yadav 10(11)

PAK 110/3 (13.1)

A slower bounder from Shivam Dube and Sahibzada Farhan let it go. He was expecting the leg umpire to react over the height of the ball but all seemed well to the decision-maker. Just seven runs came off Dube's second over.

PAK 110/2 (13)

Seven runs came off the third over of Varun Chakravarthy. India have managed to pull things a bit in the last two overs. They have conceded 12 runs in total while also picking up a wicket. If they manage to stay disciplined, another wicket is just round the corner.

PAK 103/2 (12)

Shivam Dube conceded only five runs in his first over despite bowling a no-ball in it. He also provided India a crucial breakthrough. India need to stop Pakistan below 200 as anything over it will be an extremely tough total to chase.

Massive breakthrough for India this is! Abhishek Sharma has redeemed himself with a sensational catch at backward square leg. Saim Ayub got a top-edge while trying to play a pull shot off Shivam Dube and it went high in the air. Abhishek ran in from the deep and took a catch diving forward. The 72-run partnership for the second wicket has been broken. 

Saim Ayub c Abhishek Sharma b Shivam Dube 21(17) 

PAK 93/2 (10.3)

Eight runs came off the over from Axar Patel. Pakistan are in the driving seat at the moment. They have nine wickets left, and the way they are playing, they should not settle for anything less than 200. On the other hand, India need some quick wickets for a turnaround.

A short ball from Axar Patel and Sahibzada Farhan hit it over the mid-wicket for a massive six. "Magnificent shot," said Sunil Gavaskar on-air. With the boundary, the Pakistan opener reached the mark of fifty in just 34 balls. What a game Pakistan are having!

13 runs came off the over from Kuldeep Yadav. The duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub has added 62 runs off 39 balls. This second-wicket partnership has put Pakistan on top. India need a breakthrough, and they need it as soon as possible.

8.4 - Kuldeep Yadav pitched it up and Sahibzada Farhan has smashed it away for a massive six. It went for 85 metres to the right of long-on fielder. This pair of Farhan and Saim Ayub has completely put India on the backfoot.

Saim Ayub jumps out of his crease and slams this Kuldeep Yadav delivery down the ground for a biggie. That went to 82 metres. Pakistan batters are putting on a show here. They are fighting really well. India, on the other hand, look completely clueless at the moment. They could also blame their pathetic fielding for it. 

7.3 - Another drop from Abhishek Sharma. Sahibzada Farhan smashed this Varun Chakravarthy delivery to the right of long-on and it was dropped again. Guess who was the fielder there? It was Abhishek Sharma. The ball hit his right hand and then popped out to go outside the boundary rope for a six.

Kuldeep Yadav was brought into the attack and he started with a five-run over. The spinner kept the batters guessing with his deliveries. Pakistan are off to a flying start and India will hope their spinners to check the scoring rate.

Jasprit Bumrah bowled it fuller and Sahibzada Farhan was ready for it. He comfortably smashed it over the mid-off fielder for a four. 13 runs came off the over from Bumrah. He has been extremely expensive today, leaking 34 runs in 3 overs so far for no wicket.

5.2 - Sahibzafa Farhan has slammed Jasprit Bumrah for a four. It was a short ball and the Pakistan batter smashed it through the mid-wicket. "Not playing by the reputation of the bowler," said former India player Sanjay Manjrekar on-air.

Sahibzada Farhan gets a top edge on this Varun Chakravarthy delivery and the ball flies over the first slip to run away for a four. Six runs came off the first over of Chakravarthy. He was extremely unlucky in this one.

A googly from Varun Chakravarthy and he trapped Saim Ayub. The southpaw went across and tried to play a sweep shot. He got a top edge on it and the ball went high in the air. Kuldeep ran behind from short fine leg and dropped the easy chance there. This is extremely poor fielding from India.

It is a juicy full toss from Jasprit Bumrah and Sahibzada Farhan has smashed it away for a four through the mid-wicket. To make things worse, umpire has signalled it a no-ball. Bumrah is not happy with the decision though.

PAK 35/1 (3.4)

With the wicket of Fakhar Zaman, Hardik Pandya registered his 15th scalp in India-Pakistan T20I. This is the most number of wickets taken by any bowler during the T20I matches between the arch-rivals.

Jasprit Bumrah started his second over with a short ball and Sahibzada Farhan pulled it for a four through square leg. It was a powerful hit from the Pakistan opener. Bumrah is finding it hard to find the perfect line and length on this surface.

2.5 - Saim Ayub has opened his account with a four. It was a short ball from Hardik and Ayub pulled it in front of square for a four. These are the first runs for the batter in the ongoing Asia Cup. He had registered three consecutive ducks before this game.

This is a such a huge moment in the game!!! Hardik Pandya has dismissed Fakhar Zaman. It was an off-cutter and Zaman edged it to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. Ground umpires asked the TV umpire to check the catch as Samson caught the ball just before it touched the ground. Third umpire gave it out but Fakhar was unhappy with the decision. He felt otherwise. Pakistan have suffered a huge blow.

Fakhar Zaman c Samson b Hardik Pandya 15(9)  

PAK 21/1 (2.3)

Wow! That is a beautiful shot from Fakhar Zaman. It was tad short from Hardik Pandya and the batter played it really well. He created room for himself by moving a bit on the leg side and then smashed the ball on the off-side for a four.

Jasprit Bumrah has leaked 11 runs in his first over. Not a start the ace Indian pacer is used to. Fakhar Zaman smashed him for two consecutive fours. Pakistan's intent is quite clear here. They are going for the runs, irrespective of the bowler they are playing.

Jasprit Bumrah bowls it fuller onto the pads of Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan batter flicked it through the backward square leg for an easy four. This is the first boundary for Pakistan in this innings! On the very next ball, Fakhar jumped out his crease and smashed Bumrah past the mid-off for a four.

It was an eventful first over from Hardik Pandya. Sahibzada Farhan got injured after playing the first ball and he then got a life on the third ball of the over. He miscued one in the air on the very next delivery but the ball fell at the vacant region. A total of six runs came in it.

0.3 - Abhishek Sharma has made a blunder here! Shahibzada Farhan swung hard on the fuller delivery outside off-stump from Hardik Pandya and the ball went towards Abhishek at third man. The player ran to his right, reached to the ball but it burst through his hands during the dive. Farhan not only got a life but also stole a couple of runs.

The physio checked and treated Sahibzada Farhan and the match resumed. Hardik Pandya, once again, bowled a good length delivery and the batter defended it. A disciplined start this is from the star India all-rounder so far.

A dot ball to start with for Hardik Pandya. He bowled a good length delivery outside off-stump and Sahibzada Farhan defended it comfortably. Soon after the ball, the batter seemed to have some trouble on his right hand. We have a short stoppage here.

Pakistan have made a huge change in opening here. No Saim Ayub this time and it is, in fact, Fakhar Zaman, who is out to bat with Sahibzada Farhan. For India, things remain same. Hardik Pandya will bowl the first over. Here we go...

Both India and Pakistan players have lined up for their respective national anthems. Pakistan start and India follow them. The match is set to start in around five minutes from now. Stay connected, folks!

India captain Suryakumar Yadav, once again, avoided the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper during the toss. This has reignited the handshake controversy that hogged limelight ever since India and Pakistan played their Group A match. India's stance remains solid.

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson(w), Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

Pakistan (Playing XI): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

"Would've bowled first as well. It's a new game, new challenge. The mood is very normal. Pitch looks to be on the slower side. Want to start well with both bat and ball. Two changes. Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah not playing," said Pakistan captain Salman Agha.

"We'll bowl first. Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since first round we were thinking we're playing a knockout tournament, nothing changes. That was a completely different wicket (in Abu Dhabi). Quite normal, just another game. Bumrah and Varun come back for Arshdeep and Harshit," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has won the toss and opted to bowl against Pakistan. SKY said that Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah are back into the Playing XI. Notably, the Indian skipper, once again, skipped the customary handshake with his Pakistani counterpart.

It's time for the toss to take place. Axar Patel is still there on the ground practising, which means he is available for tonight's game. Notably, the all-rounder had suffered a head injury during India's Group A match vs Oman on Friday.

Former India player Nikhil Chopra feels that the Pakistan players will be under pressure during the game vs India tonight. "Make no mistake. Every single player in that Pakistan dressing room will be feeling the heat and will be under pressure," he said on NDTV 24x7 right before the toss.

The pitch for this match is the same that was on offer during the India vs Pakistan, Group A game. The surface has been given some good rolling ahead of the game. India will aim to repeat their heriocs from the previous game vs Pakistan they played here.

Questions fired! Ravi Shastri aces 'em in style
Watch #INDvPAK tonight, 7 PM onwards, LIVE on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV. @RaviShastriOfc | #SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/mCtV3e6Aya

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 21, 2025

The Pakistan cricket team has arrived at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the game.

#WATCH | Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 | Team Pakistan arrives at Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their match against India. pic.twitter.com/HZ5j7vHqWJ

— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2025

India had to dig deep to clinch victory against Oman, with the 20th-ranked side in the ICC rankings taking India close. This could serve as impetus for Pakistan, who will be aiming to put up a better showing this time around.

Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference on Saturday. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi decided not to explain the decision.

#WATCH | Dubai, UAE | On being asked why the Pakistan team is not holding a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says, "... We'll talk soon." pic.twitter.com/ikqwlzZbfT

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025

The Indian players avoided the customary handshake against the Pakistan players during a Group A contest between the sides. Pakistan then demanded action against match referee Andy Pycroft and even threatened to pull out. India and Pakistan come up against each other once again tonight. Will it be a similar approach from the Indian players?

Asia Cup 2025 Group A

India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai

Champions Trophy 2025

India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets in Dubai

T20 World Cup 2024

India beat Pakistan by 6 runs in New York

Cricket World Cup 2023

India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in Ahmedabad

Asia Cup 2023

India beat Pakistan by 228 runs in Colombo

T20 World Cup 2022

India beat Pakistan by 4 wickets in Melbourne

India all-rounder Axar Patel sustained a head injury in the match against Oman on Saturday and there's no official confirmation regarding his availability. If Axar misses out the game tonight, it will be a big loss for India.

And just like that, the skipper finishes it off in style
A gift to himself from Surya Dada on his birthday
Watch #DPWORLDASIACUP2025 - on #SonyLIV & #SonySportsNetwork TV Channels #AsiaCup #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/cAqsFaiV4O

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) September 14, 2025

"Our preparations have been really good, leading to the tournament and had three good games also. We are focussing on what we can do best. As I said on the toss as well that we want to follow all the good habits, which we have been doing in the last two-three games and we will take one game at a time. It doesn't give us edge that we have played them once. Of course, it will be a good game. We have to start from scratch. And whoever plays well, will win the game," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the game. 

Sunday, September 14: India refused to shake hands with Pakistan

Tuesday, September 16: ICC rejected Pakistan's demand to remove Andy Pycroft as match referee

Wednesday, September 17: ICC, once again, rejected Pakistan's same demand.

The PCB then said Pycroft apologised to the side for the handshake row, but it turned out to be a lie.

Pakistan went on to play their match vs UAE with a one hour delay. And they now fear action from ICC.

The Salman Agha-led Pakistan, which had already skipped its pre-match press conference for the UAE gam, did so again ahead of the Super Four match against India. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the Pakistan team. "I don't know what the thinking behind that is, but as far as I know, press conferences are mandatory. If teams don't hold them, I'm not sure what the penalties are-if any-but in today's world, it's important for the media to be involved and kept informed. It's still essential to maintain open communication with the media. Instead of relying on 'sources' or speculation, it's always better for teams to convey their point of view directly. Perhaps Pakistan feel they have nothing to share, which, frankly, isn't surprising," Gavaskar told India Today.

When India and Pakistan met during their Group A clash at Asia Cup 2025, India captain Suryakumar Yadav skipped a customary handshake against his counterpart. Even at the end of the game, the Indian players didn't shake hands with Pakistan players. The controversy has remained in limelight post that, and it will surely take the centre stage during tonight's clash.

India are likely to return to the Playing XI that feature in the first two games; against United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.

India's Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

With a section of the Indian team busy with the Asia Cup, the likes of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are working hard at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru.

As part of their preparation for the upcoming assignments, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul trained at the BCCI Centre Of Excellence focusing on skills and strength training
Both players simulated the different conditions on offer at the CoE during their stint @ImRo45 |… pic.twitter.com/Ho6YE2011v

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 21, 2025

Amid the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas is set to become the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With the deadline for filing nominations for board positions closing on Sunday, Manhas' name has emerged as the only one for the top post, which has remained vacant since Roger Binny stepped down in August.

He has also filed his nomination for the post.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Former Indian Cricketer Mithun Manhas leaves from BCCI Headquarters after filing his nomination for the post of BCCI president. pic.twitter.com/FHmLzVJCCI

— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2025

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria calls out team's 'pathetic' state of affairs. 

"Pakistan cricket is in a pathetic state right now. This always happens: when there is an issue (handshake snub), instead of taking responsibility, they keep blaming others," Kaneria told IANS, urging Pakistan's cricketing authorities to be held accountable. "The selectors were entrusted with the responsibility of 22 crore people. What team did you select? What coaching assignments did you give? What was your game plan, strategy, and approach?" 

Will Pakistan make changes in their XI for the India clash? Here's a look at their likely combination:

Pakistan Likely playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris(w), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Khushdil Shah, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Ravichandran Ashwin mocks Pakistan team, says never argue with people below your IQ level.

R Ashwin about Pakistani commentators and players: pic.twitter.com/tSZc5PxIUG

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) September 21, 2025

Former India cricketer Kiran More on Team India's criticism:

"Several people have criticised India vs Pakistan matches. Had this been a bilateral series between India and Pakistan, then there would have been an issue. But this is Asia Cup... You have to play these matches. So, the decision taken by the Govt. is correct," More told ANI.

Ahead of the Super Four match against India in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has added a motivational speaker, Dr Raheel Karim, to help the team, which had come under tremendous pressure after its abject surrender in the league match, according to a report in Telecom Asia Sport.

"The hype around the India vs Pakistan game is a little less this time. Now, one of the reasons is the recent handshake row. It has affected the buzz. All the other cricket boards also don't want this, they want this to be a gentleman's game. Pakistan and India should pay more attention to cricket and less to other things," Monty Panesar told IANS.

Here's a look at India's schedule in the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup 2025:

September 21, 2025: India vs. Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

September 24, 2025: India vs. Bangladesh at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

September 26, 2025: India vs. Sri Lanka at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai

Young Indian spinner R Sai Kishore, who plays for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, to IANS:

"There's a lot of importance attached to this game. I don't follow what's currently trending on social media, but I feel there's a lot of hype, and I'll definitely be tuned into the match- all 40 overs. The Indian team is very strong, so naturally the competition might sometimes favour them, and perhaps that's why there's less hype about the clash," Sai Kishore told IANS.

"But it's only because of how strongly Team India has played and delivered. It's very evident. Surya, as captain, has been phenomenal," the spinner added.

There remain some suspense over Axar Patel's place in the team due to the injury he sustained. He will likely to be fit for the match. If not, Arshdeep Singh is likely to be drafted in his place. 

For the second time in this tournament, Pakistan didn't send anyone for the pre-match press conference. When PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was asked about this decision, he said that he would soon talk, but refused to specify the reason behind the act.

#WATCH | Dubai, UAE | On being asked why the Pakistan team is not holding a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says, "... We'll talk soon." pic.twitter.com/ikqwlzZbfT

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s clash between India and Pakistan. The handshake row from last Sunday's match between the two teams has continued to make headlines, especially because of Pakistan's off-the-field antics. Adding fuel to fire, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of the India clash. The move hints at fresh drama unfolding today!