Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Sep 14: India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Asia Cup 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, setting the stage for a high-voltage encounter.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led side heads into the game after a record-breaking opener against the UAE, where they chased a modest 58-run target in just 4.3 overs. India fielded a spin-heavy attack in that match with Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel, while Jasprit Bumrah was the lone specialist pacer supported by Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate indicated there would be no major changes to the playing XI. “Unlikely to make changes… we feel the combination for the first game was a right setup,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
Highlighting India’s batting flexibility, he added, “We want versatile players who can play in different situations and bat anywhere from up the order through to seven or eight. That versatility will be an important strategy when conditions are tough.”
While India dominated UAE, Pakistan too made a strong start, defeating Oman by 93 runs, adding extra spice to Sunday’s much-anticipated showdown.