As the tension builds ahead of the high-stakes India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025, reports indicate that Pakistan’s team management is preparing to make tactical adjustments to counter India’s dominant spin attack, a department that dismantled the Men in Green during the group-stage fixture at the same venue in Dubai.
According to a report by Geo News, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Mike Hesson have been actively working on a new game plan to blunt India’s spin trio, especially Kuldeep Yadav, who was instrumental in India’s thumping seven-wicket win earlier in the tournament.
Kuldeep-Led Spin Attack Exposes Pakistan’s Batting
During the group-stage match, Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around Pakistan’s batting lineup, finishing with match-winning figures of 3/18, dismissing key players including Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Hasan Nawaz. Supporting Kuldeep, Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy added three more wickets between them, restricting Pakistan to a modest 127/9 despite late fireworks from Shaheen Afridi.
India chased the target with ease, as skipper Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, wrapping up the win with 25 balls to spare.
Pakistan to Reinforce Middle Order, Eye All-Round Depth
In response to the earlier collapse, Pakistan is expected to reshuffle its playing XI. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who was dropped for the UAE fixture after underwhelming performances against Oman and India (scores of 8 and 11), is likely to return. Despite his low scores, Faheem is seen as a vital option in the middle overs, capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
Alongside Faheem, Hussain Talat, a fast-bowling all-rounder, is tipped to make his first appearance in the Asia Cup 2025. Khushdil Shah, who replaced Faheem in the last match, is expected to be left out, along with youngster Hasan Nawaz, who also failed to impress with the bat.
Off-Field Drama Overshadows Rivalry: Handshake Row Continues
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has extended beyond the boundary ropes this year. Following India’s decision to skip the post-match handshake after their group-stage win, reportedly a BCCI policy decision in light of the Pahalgam terror attack, tensions flared between the two boards.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held match referee Andy Pycroft responsible for the incident and even filed formal complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding his removal. The ICC stood firm with Pycroft, rejecting the demands.
The controversy escalated when Pakistan delayed their match against the UAE by one hour, arriving late at the Dubai International Stadium. The team cancelled their pre-match press conference and shared a muted video of their interaction with Pycroft, which further stoked criticism.
In yet another move, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press interaction ahead of Sunday’s clash with India, continuing their protest against the ICC-appointed official.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Steps In
In a bid to defuse tensions and boost team morale, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made a surprise visit to Pakistan’s training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), was seen engaging in serious discussions with head coach Mike Hesson.
Sources from the training session describe the conversation as intense, with Naqvi gesturing animatedly as he emphasized key points. He also spoke to players individually, suggesting that the PCB is closely monitoring both the team’s performance and the off-field controversies.
High Stakes in Dubai as India and Pakistan Clash Again
With tensions high on and off the field, the India vs Pakistan Super Four encounter at the Asia Cup 2025 promises to be more than just another chapter in their storied rivalry. For Pakistan, it’s a chance at redemption – not only to bounce back from a heavy defeat but also to prove they can handle pressure on the pitch and controversies off it.
For India, who remain unbeaten in the tournament, it’s an opportunity to continue their dominant run and secure a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
