Another chapter in cricket's fiercest rivalry is looming, but the permutations are worth watching closely
Every IND-PAK cricket match carries the weight of history. The clash on September 14 in Dubai was no exception, ending in a seven-wicket victory for India. But for fans on both sides of the border, the question that remains is simple: when can they meet again in the 2025 Asia Cup?
The answer lies in the progression to the Super Four stage, where the top two teams from Group A qualify. India has already secured its place, while PAK's route still depends on the final fixtures.
India's assured pathIndia's dominance so far has been unequivocal. Two wins from two matches, including the commanding victory over PAK, place Suryakumar Yadav’s team at the top of Group A.
Their four points are complemented by an impressive net run rate of +4.793 — the highest among both groups. The scale of their victories means that even a slip in their final group match wouldn’t change their course.
Credit: ESPN
Pakistan, meanwhile, sits second in the group with one win and one loss (net run rate +1.649). Their equation is simple: beat the UAE on September 17, and they will join India in the Super Four.
If that occurs, the Asia Cup schedule states that A1 (India) will face A2 (PAK) on September 21 — setting up a second round of this year’s saga.
This potential fixture could be decisive not only for points but also for bragging rights, given that both teams might cross paths again in the final.
Credit: India Today
Yet cricket thrives on unpredictability. PAK’s progress is not assured. Oman and the UAE, although still without a win, could become spoilers. The two associate sides face off on September 15, ensuring that one of them will finally get on the board.
If the UAE then beats PAK as well, they could leapfrog into the Super Four. In that case, India would face the UAE — not PAK — on September 21.
The figures paint a precarious picture:
India: 2 matches, 2 wins, 4 points, NRR +4.793
Pakistan: 2 matches, 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR +1.649
Oman: 1 match, no wins, 0 points, NRR –4.650
UAE: 1 match, no wins, 0 points, NRR –10.483
The gap in run rates makes Pakistan the favourites to advance, but the unpredictability of sport always leaves room for surprises.
Credit: ESPN
An India–PAK fixture is never just another match. Throughout the history of the Asia Cup, the two sides have faced each other 19 times, with India leading the head-to-head record 10–6, and three games ending in a tie. Every encounter carries the weight of not only cricketing excellence but also the pressure of national pride.
The September 14 encounter demonstrated how early dominance can influence the outcome. PAK struggled to 49 for 4 in the first ten overs, while India surged to 88 for 2 in theirs — a contrast that dictated the result. If they meet again on September 21, both sides will know that a ten-over burst at the start might decide the marathon of twenty.
Credit: ESPN
For now, the path is clear: if PAK overcomes the UAE, the cricketing world will be treated to another India–PAK showdown within a week. Should they falter, a new chapter with an underdog awaits. Either way, the drama of the Asia Cup remains intact, with Dubai preparing once more to stage cricket’s most-watched rivalry.
