The Mount Maunganui weather could play spoilsport in the second T20I between New Zealand and Australia on October 3.
The earliest ever start to an international cricket season in New Zealand saw the jackets, jumpers and coats in full force at Bay Oval on Wednesday. Like the first T20I, it will be another cold day, but there is a greater chance of showers during the match hours on Friday.
Here is a look at the weather forecast in Mount Maunganui for the second T20I, scheduled for a 6:15pm start.
Mount Maunganui weather: Will it rain during the 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I?
AccuWeather forecasts “considerable clouds with a couple of showers in the afternoon” in Mount Maunganui on Friday October 3. The app predicts 2.5mm of rain to fall during the day.
Mount Maunganui weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3.
However, AccuWeather’s hourly forecast paints a more promising picture. The platform predicts the showers will fall mostly between 2-5pm. By the time 6pm arrives, the forecast is for cloudy conditions with the chances of precipitation falling to as low as 20% by 8pm.
Also, wind gusts, which were a challenge for players and spectators in the opening T20I, are expected to be lower on Friday. AccuWeather forecasts gusts of around 15-20km/h in the evening, down from 35-40km/h in the first match.
Mount Maunganui hourly weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3: 2-5pm
Mount Maunganui hourly weather forecast for 2nd NZ vs AUS T20I on October 3: 6-9pm
Australia will be looking to seal the series after thumping the hosts in the first match. Mitchell Marsh’s 86 led the way as the visitors chased the 182-run target in just 16.3 overs, sending another reminder of their batting power.
Earlier, New Zealand had collapsed to 6/3 in the first 10 balls. Tim Robinson led a stirring fightback, with his brilliant 66-ball 106* giving the Black Caps something to bowl at.
After an Asia Cup filled with missed opportunities, Afghanistan and Bangladesh meet in a T20I series with the opportunity to build momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Rashid Khan’s team, perhaps surprisingly, missed the Super Four stage of the recent multi-nation tournament, losing crucial matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They also found the going tough at times in the UAE tri-series which preceded the Asia Cup. Will some squad changes bring some much-needed spark?
Also in need of some spark is Bangladesh. Reaching the Super Four stage was a good effort considering they were in a tough group, but failing to chase 136 in a do-or-die match against Pakistan was cause for disappointment. How their batting lineup counters Afghanistan’s spinners will be key in their quest for a series win in Sharjah.
In this article, we will look at the probable playing XIs, Sharjah pitch report, fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 prediction for the 1st T20I between Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo in September, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat have been left out of Afghanistan’s squad for this series.
Afghanistan could hand a debut to 18-year-old Wafiullah Tarakhil who bats in the top order and has a strike rate of 145.95 after 33 T20s. In the 2025 Shpageeza Cricket League, the youngster scored 298 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.25 and strike rate of 155.20.
On the bowling front, the Afghans have pace options in Abdollah Ahmadzai (right-arm seam) plus left-arm seamers Bashir Ahmad and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Afghanistan: 1. Sediqullah Atal, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3. Wafiullah Tarakhil, 4. Ibrahim Zadran, 5. Azmatullah Omarzai, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Darwish Rasooli/Sharafuddin Ashraf, 8. Rashid Khan (c), 9. Noor Ahmad, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman/Abdollah Ahmadzai, 11. Bashir Ahmad/Fareed Ahmad Malik
For Bangladesh, Litton Das is out of the series due to a side strain. Jaker Ali will lead the team.
Soumya Sarkar is in the squad and could find a place in the XI. Bangladesh may also look to play spin-bowling all-rounders including Mahedi Hasan to support Rishad Hossain.
In the recent Tri-Series featuring UAE, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the average first innings score was 175.43. The team batting first won all seven matches.
Spin played a key role in the final as Pakistan rolled Afghanistan for just 66. Pakistan themselves fought hard to reach 141/8.
A hot and clear evening is forecast.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for AFG vs BAN 1st T20: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicket-keeper picks:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has struggled for form recently but is the best keeper option in Dream11 for this match. Gurbaz averages just 16.11 in nine T20Is against Bangladesh, although he did hit a 30+ score against them in the Asia Cup.
Key batter picks:
Saif Hassan, picked in 70.99% of Dream11 teams, has struck two half-centuries in his past three T20Is. He may also be asked to contribute with the ball.
Ibrahim Zadran has the most runs (535) in T20Is at Sharjah at an average of 36.55 and strike rate of 112.86. Also, Zadran has performed better when batting first in T20Is this year (201 runs, avg. 40.2, SR 133.1) compared to batting second (23 runs, avg. 7.7, SR 60.5).
Top all-rounder picks:
Azmatullah Omarzai is a genuine c/vc option in this match. He had the best strike rate of any player in the recent Asia Cup (217.07). Also, Omarzai has taken nine wickets in six innings against Bangladesh, along with 118 runs. He has some good matchups (see matchups section below).
SPODA AI data lists Mohammad Nabi as a strong captaincy option in this match. He smashed 60 off 22 balls in his last match against Sri Lanka. Also, Bangladesh have numerous left-handers Nabi could be useful against.
Rishad Hossain has taken two wickets in each of his past three T20Is (2/18 vs Afghanistan, 2/27 vs India, 2/18 vs Pakistan).
Key bowler picks:
Rashid Khan will be looking to make a statement following the Asia Cup. He takes a wicket every 11.50 deliveries against Bangladesh (24 wickets, avg. 10.75). Also, SPODA AI data gives a 46.81% probability that he will take 2+ wickets – the highest of any bowler in this match.
Mustafizur Rahman will be key in Sharjah. He has a good head-to-head record against Rahmanullah Gurbaz in all T20s (47 balls, 46 runs, two wickets). SPODA AI Data gives a 38.14% probability that he will take 2+ wickets.
Taskin Ahmed has seven wickets in five T20Is against Afghanistan (avg. 18.57, SR 16.28). Two of these wickets have been Rahmanullah Gurbaz at an average of 15.00 and batting strike rate of just 83.3.
Other Players to Consider for your Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Teams
Nasum Ahmed won man of the match in the Asia Cup game against Afghanistan (2/11). He dismissed Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran.
Mahedi Hasan can be a handy pick, especially if selected to bat higher up the order for Bangladesh.
Noor Ahmad has taken nine wickets in his past six T20Is, including 2/23 vs Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.
Other Stats, Facts and Important Matchups
Head-to-head in T20Is: Matches 13, Afghanistan 7, Bangladesh 6.
Bangladesh have won three of the last four T20Is against Afghanistan since the start of 2023.
Ibrahim Zadran (535), Mohammad Nabi (492) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (484) are the top three run-scorers in T20Is at Sharjah.
Azmatullah Omarzai vs Soumya Sarkar in all T20s: 13 balls, 10 runs, two wickets.
Azmatullah Omarzai vs Towhid Hridoy in all T20s: 28 balls, 30 runs, three wickets.
Mohammad Nabi vs Bangladesh: 235 runs (avg. 26.11, SR 116.91) and five wickets (avg. 40.40, SR 40.80).
Towhid Hridoy vs Afghanistan: 4 inns, 106 runs, avg. 35.33, SR 135.89.
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction
AFG vs BAN 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?
Batting first could prove vital in this match. This could be especially important for Afghanistan, who are usually strong when setting a score. SPODA AI Data gives Afghanistan a 54% chance of winning if they bat first, which increases to 67% if they reach 180.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
The Bangladesh cricket team is set to move on without their star player Shakib Al Hasan. The country’s sports advisor, Asif Mahmud, has declared that the all-rounder will not be picked for the national side again, following Shakib’s social media post on Sunday wishing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday.
The controversy began with Shakib’s seemingly routine message. Asif quickly responded, without naming him directly, before later telling Dhaka-based Channel 24 that he would formally advise the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) against selecting Shakib. He claimed the cricketer was “intricately involved with Awami League’s politics.”
“We can’t let Shakib Al Hasan play for Bangladesh again”
“We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” Asif said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe I haven’t told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh”
“The number of times he has asked to enter the country, to play for Bangladesh, he had said that the Awami League had given him the 2024 general election nomination forcibly. He claimed that he was not involved in politics. He wanted to become an MP to work for the people of his area Magura. The truth, however, is that he is intricately involved in Awami League’s politics.”
Replying to that statement, Shakib posted saying, “So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh.”
The 37-year-old was an Awami League member of parliament from January to August last year, before the government was toppled in a student-led revolution. Hasina fled to India on August 5, while Shakib, who was abroad at the time, has not returned to Bangladesh since.
Shakib, defending himself, said his gesture was personal. He explained that he had known Hasina before his entry into politics and that the birthday wish was not meant to provoke anyone. “Hasina was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone” said Shakib Al Hasan.
On the cricketing front, Shakib last represented Bangladesh in Tests against Pakistan and India in 2024 but has been out of the national setup for over a year. Despite his absence from the international stage, he has remained active in franchise leagues around the world.
Australia have won their eighth T20I out of their last nine, with a solid 85 by Mitch Marsh leading his team to a 1-0 series lead over New Zealand in difficult conditions in Mount Maunganui.
It was a magnificent show of power-hitting by the Australian captain. He smashed nine fours and six sixes in his 43-ball stay, putting his team in a commanding position by the end of the powerplay. By the time he was dismissed, Australia were 157/3 in the 15th over and cruising towards the 182-run target.
Marsh and fellow opener Travis Head put on 67 in 5.3 overs to kickstart Australia’s chase. In the post-match presentation, Marsh spoke of the importance of getting off to a good start and setting the tone for the strong batting lineup to follow.
“It’s really important in a three-match series to start off with a win. Nice to contribute. Heady and I have a great relationship off the field and tonight was a lot of fun with him,” said the Australian captain.
Earlier, New Zealand found themselves in massive trouble after just 10 balls. The hosts fell to 6/3, so the fact they were able to reach 181/6 was a fine effort. Central to that was Tim Robinson, who smashed his first-ever T20I century to give his team something to bowl at. He finished with an unbeaten 106 off 66 balls; an innings sure to give him confidence as New Zealand look for strong batting options for next year’s T20 World Cup.
“Tim Robinson played beautifully. He and Daryl [Mitchell] took the game on from a difficult position,” said Michael Bracewell in the post-match presentation.
NZ vs AUS 1st T20I Reactions: Marsh 85 too good as Australia smash New Zealand
Australia reached the target in just 16.3 overs. Along with Marsh, Travis Head (31 off 18), Matt Short (29 off 18) and Tim David (21* off 12) were also impactful. In the end, Australia’s dominance in the powerplay with bat and ball proved vital.
“In the powerplays in both innings we fell behind in the game,” Bracewell said. “We did well as a batting unit to put a competitive total on the board. Ultimately Mitch and Travis took the game away from us.”
Here are some of the reactions to Australia’s resounding win in cold and windy conditions in Mount Maunganui.
T20 batting is going up a notch or two over the last 18 months – if your top 3 arent getting you >100 in the first 10 overs then you are going to be far behind in the game…the pitches and boundaries have moved the game to this… #NZvAus
When you play well you deserve to be appreciated. Well done Mitchell Marsh. Great innings 🙏👏 Batted wonderfully. Put the New Zealand bowlers under pressure right from ball one. pic.twitter.com/z34laoER16
India’s Test season begins with a two-match series against the West Indies, starting on Thursday October 2. The visitors face a tall order, but the pitch conditions in Ahmedabad could suit their fast bowlers although the absence of Shamar and Alzarri Joseph due to injury is a huge blow.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the surface had a lush, even covering of grass two days out from the first Test. Here is a look at the Ahmedabad pitch report for this match, plus some recent results in Tests at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Ahmedabad pitch report: IND vs WI Test set to be played on pacer-friendly surface
The aforementioned publication states that 4-5mm of grass could remain on the pitch. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the recent rain in Ahmedabad has kept the surface under cover for most of Sunday and Monday. Second, the pitch used for this Test is a red-soil strip. Without grass, these tracks tend to crumble very quickly, which can bring the two spin attacks closer together.
There is the possibility the Ahmedabad surface could play similarly to Bengaluru in the India-New Zealand series last year. The Black Caps rolled the hosts for just 46 on a track that left the Indian batsman surprised by the amount of bounce.
Ahmedabad can offer up a range of surfaces for Test cricket. The last Test on this ground was between India and Australia in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in a drab draw on a flat pitch. Two years earlier, England were beaten inside two days on a sharp turner.
The captain who wins the toss this time will almost certainly bowl first. In addition to the green track, overcast conditions are forecast on day one, which will further assist the fast bowlers.
Winning the toss could be particularly important for the West Indies who need as much assistance as possible with Shamar and Alzarri Joseph ruled out through injury. Also, their batting was completely dismantled in their last Test, crumbling to 27 all-out against Australia in Jamaica.
For India, a number of their players – especially the fast bowlers – are coming off very recent assignments. Jasprit Bumrah won the Asia Cup as recently as Sunday in Dubai. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna played for India A in the second unofficial Test against Australia A which ended on September 26. Nitish Kumar Reddy is the other seamer in the squad.
India have not lost any Test against West Indies since 2002. At home, this stretches back to 1994. If the Windies break the drought here, it will go down as one of the great upsets in Test cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has continued his incredible year, smashing 113 off just 86 balls in the first Youth Test against Australia U19s at Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane. The 14-year-old smashed eight sixes, which is record for any U19 Test match in a single innings, beating the previous record of six.
Suryavanshi brought up his hundred off just 78 balls. The dynamic left-hander smashed a cover drive off Aryan Sharma’s left-arm spin to register three figures in his first red-ball match on Australian soil.
Century on his first red ball game in Australia.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – Coming to snatch everyone’s chain sooner than you expect. pic.twitter.com/gPkOIBhfPr
Vaibhav Suryavanshi 113 off 86 balls sees further excitement from fans
Suryavanshi also has the most sixes for India in Youth Tests. He now has 15 to his name, going past his captain Ayush Mhatre who was dismissed for a 15-ball 21 early on day two.
Suryavanshi’s CV is becoming more impressive by the day. Following his incredible century in the 2025 Indian Premier League, the left-hander smashed a 78-ball 143 in an ODI against England U19 in July. Now, he can add a Youth Test century away from home to his growing list of magnificent achievements.
At the time of writing, India U19 are sitting pretty at 248/3, already leading by five runs in the first innings. Vedan Trivedi is not out on 73.
– Hundred in IPL. – Hundred in Youth ODI in England. – Hundred in Youth Test in Australia.
Earlier in the match, India continued from where they left off from ODI series, bowling Australia out for 243 despite Steven Hogan’s 246-ball 92. Deepesh Devendran was the star, taking his first five-wicket haul (5/45) in Youth Tests. Opening bowler Kishan Kumar also had a day to remember with 3/48.
The teams are scheduled to play two Youth Tests, with the second starting on October 7 in Mackay.
Mount Maunganui will host all three matches of the 2025 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. Both New Zealand and Australia will be using these matches to prepare for next year’s T20 World Cup, with a chance for fringe players to stake their respective claims for more first-team opportunities.
These matches, however, come with a weather risk. This series marks the earliest start ever to an international home season in New Zealand. Here is a look at the weather forecast in Mount Maunganui for the first T20I, scheduled for a 6:15pm start.
Mount Maunganui weather: Will it rain during the 1st NZ vs AUS T20I?
Reliable app AccuWeather paints an optimistic picture. According to the platform, there is just a 10% chance of precipitation on Wednesday. However, conditions will be tricky for the players, with temperatures expected to drop to 10 degrees with wind gusts of around 35-40km/h.
Evening weather forecast in Mount Maunganui.
Evening weather forecast in Mount Maunganui.
Based on the forecast, there should be a full, uninterrupted match on Wednesday. However, rain is expected for the second T20I on Friday, with AccuWeather forecasting “cloudy with a couple of showers in the afternoon” and 90% chance of precipitation.
Mount Maunganui is typically an excellent batting ground. The average first innings score in 30 T20Is is 190. Pacers (average 24.54, economy 8.86) and spinners (average 26.96, economy 8.01) have similar numbers on this ground.
Both teams come into this series with squad changes. New Zealand have numerous injuries, namely Mitchell Santner (abdominal), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle) and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring). Kane Williamson is also unavailable.
For Australia, Josh Inglis (calf), Glenn Maxwell (forearm), Cameron Green (Sheffield Shield), Nathan Ellis (paternity), Pat Cummins (back), and Mitchell Starc (retired) are also unavailable.
New Zealand and Australia continue their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series. Both teams are in good form, with New Zealand winning nine of 11 T20Is this year and Australia losing just two of 17 matches since the last T20 World Cup.
Australia, like the hosts, have some key squad changes. Nathan Ellis is unavailable due to paternity leave, while Josh Inglis – who has quickly become an important part of Australia’s T20I setup – was recently ruled out due to a calf injury. Cameron Green is also not in the squad as is focusing on red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes.
Also, Glenn Maxwell is ruled out of the series after suffering a fractured forearm at training, and has been replaced in the squad by Josh Philippe. According to cricket.com.au, Maxwell copped a blow from Mitch Owen in the nets. The all-rounder will see a specialist over the coming days to assess the injury.
Australia squad for T20I series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia possible 11 for opening T20I against New Zealand
1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Matt Short, 4. Tim David, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Mitch Owen, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
No Green, Inglis or Maxwell opens the door for Matt Short and Marcus Stoinis to slot into the Australia 11 for the opening T20I against New Zealand. Short missed Australia’s recent assignments against the West Indies and South Africa due to injuries, so he will be keen to make a mark with high competition for spots when everyone is available.
Alex Carey is expected to lineup with the keeper-batsman travelling to New Zealand soon after the sad news of his father’s passing. The left-hander will likely slot in the middle order.
Also, Australia have decisions to make around their bowling attack. The visitors will likely opt for Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis to start, with the latter performing well in recent months. Sean Abbott is likeliest to join them with the 33-year-old often preferred over Xavier Bartlett.
All three T20Is in this series will be played in Mount Maunganui. The first kicks off on October 1, with the next two to take place on Friday and Saturday.
New Zealand vs Australia 2025 T20I series schedule
1st T20I, Mount Maunganui, Wednesday October 1, 6:15pm local time.
2nd T20I, Mount Maunganui, Friday October 3, 6:15pm local time.
3rd T20I, Mount Maunganui, Saturday October 4, 6:15pm local time.
Ravichandran Ashwin has become the first Indian cricketer to feature in the Big Bash League (BBL), after signing with Sydney Thunder. The 39-year-old will join the squad in early January.
Why R Ashwin chose the Sydney Thunder
Ashwin chose to join the Thunder due to the clarity they provided over his role. “Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role,” Ashwin said, as quoted on the official Sydney Thunder website.
“I love how Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset. I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation,” Ashwin continued.
Ashwin will most likely play four league matches and be available for the finals, if Sydney Thunder qualifies. He is expected to slot in as a replacement for Pakistani legspinner Shadab Khan.
While this contract is focused on BBL 2025, discussions have touched on the possibility of Ashwin returning for a larger role in the 2026–27 season. Reports suggest that other clubs had also approached the Indian veteran, but Thunder, under the leadership of General Manager Trent Copeland, managed to secure the deal. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg is said to have initiated the first approach, with multiple teams later allowed to bid.
Ashwin’s signing is seen as more than just a cricketing acquisition. His stature, combined with his million-plus YouTube following, is expected to enhance the league’s global visibility while strengthening ties with Sydney’s South Asian diaspora. He is also anticipated to participate in media engagements and community outreach, enhancing Thunder’s local presence.
For Thunder, the move represents a marquee signing with both sporting and commercial impact. For the BBL, it is a statement that the league is serious about regaining its place among the top global T20 competitions.
Pakistan will meet India in an Asia Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history. After a tight win against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, Pakistan held their nerve again on Thursday, rallying to defend 135 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
At one stage, Pakistan were reeling at 33/4 in the ninth over and 49/5 in the 11th. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s cameo, plus important contributions by Mohammad Haris (31 off 23) and Mohammad Nawaz (25 off 15) helped Agha Salman’s team reach a defendable score.
Bangladesh were still favourites on a ground that favours chasing. Also, Pakistan’s 135/8 was still below the average first innings score in Dubai in this Asia Cup, even if you include UAE’s 57 against India. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi led the way to dismantle the Bangladeshi top order, before Haris Rauf (3/33), Mohammad Nawaz (1/14) and Saim Ayub (2/16) never allowed Jaker Ali’s team off the hook.
Pakistan fans hopeful of winning the Asia Cup 2025 Final against India at Dubai
The victory has given Pakistan fans hope they can win the 2025 Asia Cup Final against India on Sunday. Despite India winning all their matches to date, their reliance on Abhishek Sharma is cause for optimism for Pakistan. The opener is striking at 206.66 in this Asia Cup. Shubman Gill is next-best with 156.33. The third-best? 128.57 by Axar Patel.
Also, Pakistan fans have called for their team to put in a big effort after Suryakumar Yadav’s comments following their Super Four match last Sunday. “I would like to say one thing on this question. I feel that you should stop asking this question on the rivalry,” the India captain said in the post-match press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Standards and rivalry are the same. According to me, if two teams play 15-20 matches and if [head-to-head] it is 7-7 or 8-7, then that is called a rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1….I don’t know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore. But yeah, I feel we played better cricket than them,” Suryakumar continued.
“If law of average is real it should work against Indian team and Abhishek Sharma on Sunday, and Qudrat ka nizam [law of nature] needs to come clutch,” one fan wrote on X.
“This Asia Cup has “CT17” written all over it. “Not a rivalry” comment will haunt them. This team still has 99 problems, but owning India on the big day won’t be one of them,” wrote another.
You can't outbat this Indian team, so you've probably already lost if you're batting first.
However, if you get to bowl first, get Abhishek early, in addition to a couple of more powerplay wickets, then you're well and truly in the game.
This Asia Cup has "CT17" written all over it. "Not a rivalry" comment will haunt them just like "Walkover hi de do". This team still has 99 problems, but owning India on the big day won't be one of them.
Pakistan has the chance to pull off one of the most spectacular & unpredictable win in the #AsiaCupT20 Final this Sunday, uno reversing every odd. Stick to basics and target their clutch players, Abhishek, Gill, Tilak & Axar. Delulu is the new Solulu#PakistanZindabad#PakVsInd
2nd Best Side of Asia OFFICIALLY! India, here we come to challenge you for becoming the TOP side.
I keep saying, Pakistan will start winning trophies under Salman Ali Agha sooner or later. This performance took back to the days when Pakistan would fight as a unit. This was… pic.twitter.com/PQrxsfiW2f
Indian team posted captions like these after beating us in a group stage game. Cannot wait till we beat them in the final. They thought they won’t face us again. They’ll end up deleting these posts. Pakistan will win🇵🇰💥 #INDvPAK#AsiaCup2025pic.twitter.com/pqRW0xwKCW
If Pakistan wins the toss on September 28th and sends Abhishek Sharma back early, India won’t just lose, they’ll be humiliated on the biggest stage! 🔥#PAKvIND#AsiaCup2025#PAKvBAN
I bet Indians feel their team is so much superior than PCT & they should win comfortably but the fear of having a bad game & losing in the final should put massive pressure on them, our team has nothing to lose on Sunday they everything
However, despite their victories, Pakistan will have to step up their game to beat India. The batting does not inspire much confidence. Saim Ayub has four ducks in this tournament, while the strike rates of Fakhar Zaman (117.39), Sahibzada Farhan (107.38) and Agha Salman (78.04) represent huge room for improvement.
The form of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf is cause for optimism, with early wickets paramount against India. The likes of Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub will then look to put the brakes on an Indian middle order that is searching for its best form.
Pakistan last won the Asia Cup in 2012, played in the ODI format. They reached the final of the last T20I edition in 2022, but ultimately fell short against Sri Lanka in Dubai. Time will tell whether they can go one better in 2025.
