Asia Cup 2025 – Big Match On Sunday: India Vs Pakistan Rivalry Promises Drama, Records & Excitement

The India–Pakistan cricket rivalry remains one of the most captivating spectacles in world sport, and the Asia Cup has consistently provided the perfect stage for this contest. Over the decades, the tournament has witnessed gripping finishes, record-breaking performances and unforgettable displays of dominance from both nations. As the anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, here is a comprehensive look at the head-to-head record of India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup across both ODI and T20 formats.

Overall Head-to-Head Record in Asia Cup

India and Pakistan have met 19 times in the history of the Asia Cup, combining ODIs and T20s. India leads the tally with 10 victories, while Pakistan has won 6 encounters. Three matches ended without a result or were abandoned due to rain or other interruptions.

Asia Cup Head-to-Head

• Matches played: 18

India: 10 wins

Pakistan: 6 wins

No result/abandoned: 2

India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup ODIs

The ODI encounters between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup have delivered some of the most iconic moments in cricket. India has maintained an edge, securing wins in crucial fixtures, such as the 2010 thriller at Dambulla and the record-breaking 228-run victory in 2023.

Notable ODI Matches

• 1984, Sharjah: India (188/4) defeated Pakistan (134) by 54 runs.
  
  
• 1988, Dhaka: India (143/6) beat Pakistan (142) by 4 wickets.

1995, Sharjah: Pakistan (266/9) defeated India (169) by 97 runs.

2008, Karachi: India (301/4) chased down Pakistan’s 299 in a six-wicket win.

2012, Mirpur: India (330/4) sealed a memorable six-wicket victory, powered by Virat Kohli’s 183.

2014, Mirpur: Pakistan edged India by 1 wicket in a nail-biting contest.

2018, Dubai: India recorded back-to-back wins by 8 wickets and 9 wickets.

2023, Colombo: India thrashed Pakistan by 228 runs, their biggest win ever against their arch-rivals.

The 2023 win not only underlined India’s dominance but also became one of the most memorable one-day clashes in Asia Cup history.

Possible India vs Pakistan Encounters in Asia Cup 2025

The group-stage clash between India and Pakistan is locked for 14 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But that may not be the only meeting

• Group Stage: 14 September 2025, Dubai
  
  
• Super Four: 21 September 2025, if both qualify

Final: 28 September 2025, if both make it to the summit clash

This means fans could witness up to three India–Pakistan matches in the same tournament — each carrying massive stakes, high drama and global attention.

India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup T20s

In the T20 format, India has enjoyed greater control over Pakistan, winning key matches in high-pressure situations.

Notable T20 Matches

• 2016, Mirpur: India chased down 83 to win by 5 wickets in a low-scoring thriller.
  
• 2022 (Group Stage), Dubai: India (148/5) overcame Pakistan’s 147 with 5 wickets in hand.
  
• 2022 (Super Four), Dubai: Pakistan (182/5) edged out India (181/7) by 5 wickets in a last-over thriller.
  

The 2022 Super Four clash, which went down to the final delivery, highlighted the unpredictability of this rivalry and the drama it brings to the Asia Cup.

The Road to Asia Cup 2025

The next chapter in this legendary battle is scheduled for 14 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be a group-stage match under lights, expected to draw global attention. If both sides progress, potential rematches loom on 21 September in the Super Four and 28 September in the final.

India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, while Pakistan enters the tournament under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha. With both teams introducing new-look squads, fresh rivalries are set to emerge within the larger contest.

India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025

India are being led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The squad blends experience and youthful energy, with power-hitters and a strong bowling line-up included.


India’s 15-member squad
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk).

Notably, Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal are missing from the squad, making way for emerging players to seize the spotlight.

Pakistan’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan have gone with a bold approach, appointing Salman Ali Agha as captain. Several senior players have been left out of the T20 squad, giving opportunities to fresh faces alongside seasoned campaigners.

Pakistan’s T20 squad
Salman Ali Agha (c), Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Salman Mirza, Hasan Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim.

The absence of some established names has added intrigue, with the focus now on how the younger group responds to the pressure of the Asia Cup stage.

Why India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup Stands Apart

• High stakes and worldwide viewership: Millions tune in every time these teams meet.
  
• Neutral venues: Matches in the UAE ensure conditions are evenly balanced.
  
• Historic performances: From Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 183 in 2012 to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s devastating spells, the encounters have provided legendary moments.
  
• Emotional connection: For fans, it is more than just cricket – it is an occasion charged with pride, history and passion.

A Rivalry Beyond Cricket

The India–Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup has been defined by its unpredictability, intensity and capacity to create enduring memories. With India holding the advantage in the head-to-head record and both teams eager to write new chapters in 2025, the stage is set for another exhilarating series of contests. Whether it ends in a group-stage duel or culminates in a dramatic final, this rivalry will remain one of cricket’s most powerful narratives.

Fascinating Trivia From India–Pakistan Asia Cup Clashes

Q1. How many times have India and Pakistan faced each other in the Asia Cup across ODIs and T20s till now?
A1. They have met 18 times in total, with India winning 10, Pakistan winning 6, and 2 matches ending without a result.

Q2. Which Asia Cup encounter gave India its biggest victory margin over Pakistan in ODIs?
A2. In 2023 at Colombo, India defeated Pakistan by a massive 228 runs, their biggest-ever win against their arch-rivals in the tournament.

Q3. Who played a record-breaking knock of 183 in the 2012 Asia Cup, leading India to a famous win over Pakistan?
A3. Virat Kohli smashed 183 runs at Mirpur in 2012, guiding India to a memorable six-wicket victory.

Q4. How many times can India and Pakistan potentially clash in the Asia Cup 2025?
A4. They could meet up to three times – once in the group stage (14 September), again in the Super Four (21 September), and possibly in the final (28 September).

Q5. Who are leading India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025?
A5. Suryakumar Yadav is captaining India, while Salman Ali Agha is leading Pakistan’s side.