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In a highly anticipated showdown set for the 14th of September in Dubai, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face off in the Asia Cup 2025. With both teams looking to assert dominance in a tournament seen as a precursor to the T20 World Cup 2026, all eyes will be on this high-octane clash under the floodlights.
A young side prepares for high-stakes showdown
Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has a fresh look, with the high-profile exclusion of star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This decision signals a new direction for the team, moving away from its traditional anchors to embrace a more dynamic and aggressive style of T20 cricket. Under the leadership of their new captain Salman Ali Agha, a young and energetic squad has been entrusted to deliver against the best in the continent. This tournament is an opportunity for these young talents to step out of the shadows and prove their mettle on a grand stage, with a new-look middle-order and a bowling attack that promises to be as lethal as ever.
Pakistan’s predicted playing XI against India in Asia Cup 2025:
1 .Fakhar Zaman: A powerful left-handed opener who brings explosive power to the top of the order. He has played 97 T20I matches and scored 1,949 runs with a strike rate of over 131, making him a proven game-changer.
2. Saim Ayub: A promising young talent, Saim Ayub has a reputation for fearless hitting. He provides a dynamic start at the top of the order and has been a revelation in recent domestic tournaments.
3. Saud Shakeel: A technically sound and versatile left-handed batter. His ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike will be crucial for the middle order’s stability.
4. Mohammad Haris (wk): The wicketkeeper-batter is an aggressive middle-order batter. His clean hitting and impressive T20I strike rate of 144.81 from 23 matches make him a valuable asset.
5. Salman Ali Agha (c): The newly appointed captain, Salman Ali Agha is an off-spinning all-rounder. He will be expected to lead with the bat in the middle order and contribute with his handy off-spin.
6. Iftikhar Ahmed: A seasoned all-rounder, Iftikhar Ahmed can strike the ball cleanly and bowl effective off-spin. He will be relied on to provide power and experience in the lower middle order.
Also READ: Fans react after PCB demotes Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in central contracts for 2025–26
7. Shadab Khan: Pakistan’s premier leg-spinner and a capable lower-order batter. As Pakistan’s most successful T20I bowler with 112 wickets in 112 matches, his all-round abilities make him an indispensable part of the team.
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi: The team’s pace spearhead. His fiery left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball make him a constant threat, evidenced by his impressive tally of 104 T20I wickets in 81 matches.
9. Naseem Shah: A young, fiery fast bowler known for his express pace and control. He forms a potent partnership with Shaheen and has a knack for picking up key wickets, with 25 wickets in 30 T20Is.
10. Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf is a right-arm fast bowler who operates at high speeds. His ability to bowl quick and accurate yorkers in the death overs is a major weapon for Pakistan.
11. Usama Mir: Usama Mir is a wrist-spinning option who can provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. His leg-spin will be a key factor in controlling the flow of runs.
Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar announces his ideal playing XI for India’s Asia Cup 2025 opening match
