As India and Pakistan prepare to lock horns in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, the anticipation is unmatched. The two sides have already met twice in this tournament, with India emerging victorious in both encounters. Yet, former Pakistan cricketer Wahab Riaz has ignited debate by claiming that the weight of expectation will be heavier on India than on Pakistan in this crucial clash.
Wahab Riaz: India Has More to Lose
In a video shared on ESPNcricinfo, Wahab Riaz broke down why the Men in Blue might feel the pressure more keenly than their arch-rivals:
“It is going to be a different ball game from my perspective now because you have already played 2 games against India. Yes, you couldn’t win both of those games but now there will be additional pressure on India as well when they will be playing Pakistan in the final.” —Wahab Riaz
He pointed out that India has to win against Pakistan for the third time in a row in the same tournament—a psychological challenge in itself.
“That’s the key. And this is after I think 2012 or 2013 that these teams are playing at least three games in a tournament. It’s not a bilateral series but it is going to be the third game of the tournament which also gives some edge to Pakistan. And probably from my perspective, India will be under pressure playing against Pakistan because they have to win three games in a row. So that could be a good blessing in disguise as well.” —Wahab Riaz
The Road to the Final
India and Pakistan secured their place in the summit clash after defeating Bangladesh. While India looked dominant, Pakistan fought back late in the Super 4s to seal their spot. The contrast in journeys has only heightened the tension heading into the decider.
The first group-stage match on September 14 saw India cruise to a 7-wicket victory. A week later, in the Super 4s on September 21, Suryakumar Yadav led India to a 6-wicket win. These wins have tilted the balance in India’s favour on paper, with even the Indian skipper hinting that the rivalry has lost its edge. Yet, history suggests finals are a different battlefield altogether.
Pressure Points: Why the Spotlight is on India
- Psychological weight: Beating Pakistan three times in the same tournament is no easy feat. Each successive game raises the risk of complacency or overconfidence.
- Expectations from fans: Indian supporters will expect nothing less than a clean sweep against their rivals, magnifying the pressure on every player.
- Pakistan’s freedom: Having lost both earlier games, Pakistan comes into the final with less to lose and more to gain.
Asia Cup Clashes Mired in Controversy
The rivalry has been far from just cricket during this Asia Cup. Emotions have run high, spilling into heated controversies:
- India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players during the toss and post-match ceremonies, reportedly linked to political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attacks, drew Pakistan’s protest to the ICC.
- During the Super 4s, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were accused by the BCCI of provocative gestures towards Indian fans. Farhan’s celebration was seen as offensive, while Rauf mimicked falling planes in a gesture widely condemned.
- Pakistan also lodged a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav after he dedicated India’s September 14 win to the armed forces, which they described as a political statement.
These controversies have only added more fire to a rivalry that is already the most high-voltage spectacle in cricket.
Final Showdown: The Battle of Nerves
When India and Pakistan walk onto the field in the Asia Cup 2025 final, it won’t just be skill and form on display—it will be a test of nerves. India, despite being favourites, will have to overcome the invisible weight of expectation, the demand of a hat-trick win, and the shadow of past controversies. Pakistan, on the other hand, has the chance to flip the script and prove that the final is a different stage altogether.
As Wahab Riaz suggested, the real story may not be about records but about how India handles the suffocating pressure of history, rivalry, and national expectations. For fans across the globe, the countdown has begun to a clash where every ball will carry the weight of more than just cricket.
Also Read: Top 10 Young Indian Cricketers to Watch in Next Decade
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