Not India Vs Pakistan: The Other Team India May Meet In Asia Cup Final

India begin their Asia Cup T20 title defence in the UAE with a settled core and clear roles, but the bigger talking point is who could stand opposite them on September 28 if they reach the final. The popular script says India vs Pakistan, but form, conditions, and match‑ups suggest another strong contender: Afghanistan. Their blend of high‑quality spin, improved batting depth, and comfort in UAE conditions makes them a genuine finals threat—one India must plan for from day one.

Why Not The Usual India–Pakistan Script

T20 tournaments are short, swingy, and unforgiving. One slow powerplay or one inspired spell can flip a knockout. Pakistan’s ceiling remains high, but their batting can be streaky in the middle overs, and they are still shaping a new leadership core. India, by contrast, have doubled down on role clarity—fast starts at the top, Suryakumar Yadav controlling the middle, and multiple finishers. That consistency makes India strong favorites to reach the final, but the opponent may be the side best built for UAE’s slow evenings rather than the highest‑profile rival.

Why Afghanistan Fit The Final

Afghanistan can bowl 12–16 overs of top‑tier spin without weakening their XI. Rashid Khan’s return sharpens their middle‑overs choke; pair him with Noor Ahmad’s left‑arm angle and Mohammad Nabi’s smart off‑spin, and batting sides often stall between overs 7–15. Their pace has bite too: Fazalhaq Farooqi’s new‑ball swing, Naveen‑ul‑Haq’s cutters, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s heavy lengths travel well in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Up top, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can clear the in‑field, while a flexible middle of Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Nabi, and Karim Janat gives both stability and finishing. In UAE conditions, that’s a finals blueprint.

India’s Likely Shape And Selection Notes

India’s batting spine looks settled: Abhishek Sharma’s intent pairs with Shubman Gill’s timing, Suryakumar Yadav stays at No. 4, and Hardik Pandya/Dube handle the finish. The live call is at No. 3 and wicketkeeper. If Sanju Samson gets the nod there, India maximise middle‑overs six‑hitting against elite spin, while Jitesh Sharma remains a like‑for‑like finisher if the balance tilts later. With the ball, Jasprit Bumrah anchors both powerplay and death, Arshdeep Singh brings left‑arm variation, and spin toggles between Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist‑spin and Axar Patel’s control. In night starts, the toss will matter; so will tempo in overs 7–15.

India Squad (Official)

Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule (IST)

Key Match‑Ups If It’s India–Afghanistan

• Middle Overs: Samson/Suryakumar vs Rashid/Noor. India’s shot selection down the ground vs leg‑spin could decide the run rate.

• New Ball: Bumrah vs Gurbaz. Early seam movement vs power hitting can tilt the innings arc.

• Death Overs: Hardik/Dube vs Naveen/Omarzai cutters. Pace off versus strong‑base hitting often comes down to lengths.

A final is about phases. India’s plan should bank on fast starts and owning the 7–15 corridor; Afghanistan’s hinges on spin squeeze and powerplay breakthroughs. On UAE nights, that chess match is why this potential final could be closer, and richer tactically, than the obvious India–Pakistan rerun.