It's India-Pak again this season! First clash ever at finals in 41 years of Asia Cup

India and Pakistan are set to face each other again at the Asia Cup 2025, after the latter defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling, yet low-scoring Super Fours contest on Thursday. The two teams are going to clash for the third time in the present edition of the tournament. 

Bangladesh was impressive with its bowling, dismissing Pakistan batters for a total of 135. It was Pakistan's lower order that took it to a competitive total, which was sufficient on a surface that's never easy for batting. They secured an 11-run win to set up another clash with arch-rivals India. 

Pakistan was once faltering at 49 for 5, with early wickets of Sahibzada Farhan (4), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman (13), Hussain Talat (3), and skipper Salman Ali Agha at 19. Mohammad Haris's 31, followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi's 19, Mohammad Nawaz's 25, and Faheem Ashraf's 14 at the end, provided the much-needed assistance, taking the team past 130.

For Bangladesh, it was Taskin's 3/28, Rishad Hossain's 2/18, and Mahedi Hasan's 2/28 that ensured dominance over Pakistan batters. As for their batting, they couldn't firm their chase. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf eliminated Bangladesh at 124-9. 

After the victory, Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha said, "We are very excited. We know what we need to do, and we are a good enough team to beat anyone, and we will come on Sunday and try to beat them." 

India-Pak final for the first time at the Asia Cup

This is the first time that the two teams are going to meet in the final of the Asia Cup, in its 41-year history. In the 16 editions of the competition, there has never been a clash between India and Pakistan in the finals. 

However, the two teams have locked horns before in other tournaments. These include the World Championship of Cricket Final in 1984, the Austral-Asia Cup Final 1986 and 1994, ICC World T20 2007 Final, and the Champions Trophy 2007 Final. Pakistan takes the edge with 3-2. 

But the historic showdown tells a different story every time. And India takes the lead in winning the major ICC titles, as well as the matches. 

With all the hype over the rivalry, added to the controversy surrounding India vs Pakistan, including the statements from the players, and the excitement of the fans...the stakes are higher, making it the perfect finale for the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday.