DUBAI: Pakistan will be looking to turn their fortunes around when they host arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday.
India, 2016 champions, have gone through the tournament unbeaten, defeating all their opponents in the eight-team event.
Their supremacy was witnessed in two wins against Pakistan—initially in the group stage and then in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025.
While India was unbeaten in the Asia Cup, courtesy a clinical super over win over Sri Lanka on Friday, two of its main players, Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma were not on the field after suffering niggles.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has allayed fears over their fitness for Sunday’s Asia Cup final, stating that both players are closely watched.
All-rounder departed the field during Sri Lanka’s first over after sending Kusal Mendis back for a golden duck.
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He was clutching his left hamstring when he exited and did not return.
Meanwhile, pener Abhishek Sharma held on to his right thigh in the ninth over. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma stood in as replacement fielders throughout the innings.
“Hardik suffered from cramps. He will be evaluated tonight and also in the morning tomorrow before we make a decision,” Morkel explained.
Having less than 48 hours to recover, Morkel said the management did not want to take any risks to bring the players back in time for action.
