Pakistan vs India: Key players and form ahead of historic Asia Cup 2025 final

The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as Pakistan take on India in the historic Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With a sold-out crowd of 28,000 and millions watching worldwide, this first-ever final between these arch-rivals promises unmatched excitement. Pakistan will rely on Shaheen Afridi to strike early, while India’s formidable batting lineup, led by Abhishek Sharma, could make for a thrilling contest under Dubai lights. Pakistan – Key Players and Form Shaheen Shah Afridi (Left-arm Fast Bowler)     •    Wickets: 9     •    Average: 21.11     •    Economy Rate: 7.35     •    Key Stats: Afridi has been crucial in taking early wickets in the Super 4 matches, swinging the ball both ways to trouble India’s top order. What to Watch: His early breakthroughs can set the tone for Pakistan, putting India under immediate pressure in the powerplay. Salman Ali Agha (Captain)     •    Runs: 160     •    Average: 40.00     •    Key Stats: Agha has anchored Pakistan’s middle order, showing composure in challenging situations. What to Watch: His calm batting and leadership are pivotal, especially in stabilizing the innings if early wickets fall. Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler)     •    Wickets: 9     •    Average: 22.33     •    Economy Rate: 7.50     •    Key Stats: Rauf has excelled in death overs, using pace and yorkers to restrict India’s finishers. What to Watch: His late-over aggression could be decisive in controlling India’s scoring during the final overs. Sahibzada Farhan (Middle-order Batter)     •    Runs: 160     •    Average: 40.00     •    Key Stats: Farhan has consistently provided stability in the middle order, balancing anchor and acceleration roles. What to Watch: Farhan’s ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed will be vital in setting or chasing competitive totals. India – Key Players and Form Abhishek Sharma (Opener)     •    Runs: 309 in 6 innings     •    Average: 51.50     •    Strike Rate: 204.63     •    Key Stats: Sharma has been India’s top run-scorer with three consecutive half-centuries, providing explosive starts. What to Watch: His aggressive batting at the top can put Pakistan on the back foot if he dominates the early overs. Kuldeep Yadav (Left-arm Spinner)     •    Wickets: 13     •    Average: 9.84     •    Economy Rate: 5.12     •    Key Stats: Yadav has consistently broken partnerships in the middle overs, maintaining control over Pakistan’s scoring rate. What to Watch: His spin variations can stifle Pakistan’s middle-order momentum, especially against players like Salman Ali Agha and Farhan. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain & Middle-order Batter)     •    Runs: 71 in 5 innings     •    Average: 14.20     •    Key Stats: Yadav’s form has been inconsistent, with only one notable innings of 47 runs. What to Watch: A return to form in the final could stabilize India’s middle order, crucial in a high-pressure match. This historic final is not just a battle for the trophy but a showcase of the finest talent from both sides of the subcontinent, a cricketing spectacle no fan will want to miss.

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