India vs Pakistan Clash Again on 21 September – Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Preview, Predictions & Handshake Controversy Updates

The Asia Cup 2025 has already delivered high drama, fierce battles, and off-field controversies. As the Super 4 stage kicks off, all eyes are on the India vs Pakistan rematch scheduled for 21 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The two arch-rivals met earlier on 14 September, where India dominated with a 7-wicket victory. That game, however, became equally famous for its cricketing brilliance and the handshake snub controversy. With both cricketing giants now gearing up for a high-stakes battle, fans are expecting fireworks on and off the field.

Match Details

Super 4 Context: Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

• India’s Road: Finished as Group A toppers, boosted by a commanding win over Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s Road: Slipped to second in Group A, with concerns over batting inconsistency.
• High Stakes: Beyond points, this is about pride, momentum, and asserting dominance ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Final.

The rematch is not just a game—it’s a chance for Pakistan to bounce back, while India aims to stamp its authority further.

Possible Playing XIs

India (Captain: Suryakumar Yadav)

Strengths: Strong opening pair, all-round batting depth, world-class spin attack.
Concerns: Axar Patel’s fitness after head knock vs Oman.

Predicted XI:
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel/Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.

Pakistan (Captain: Salman Ali Agha)

Strengths: Experienced stars like Fakhar Zaman & Shaheen Afridi, mystery spin from Abrar Ahmad.
Concerns: Top-order inconsistency, off-field distractions, middle-order stability.

Predicted XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Haris, Hassan Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr/ Sufiyan Moqeem, Abrar Ahmad, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.

Pitch & Conditions – Dubai International Stadium

• Balanced wicket with good bounce for batting.
• Spinners gain assistance in middle overs.
• Key strategy: Teams must maximize the Powerplay (first 6 overs) and finish strongly at the death.

The Handshake Controversy: What Happened?

Incident – 14 September

• Post India’s 7-wicket win, captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistani players.
• Reports suggest match referee Andy Pycroft advised against handshakes, allegedly due to “instructions or miscommunication.”

Fallout

• PCB lodged a formal complaint demanding Pycroft’s removal.
• ICC rejected the appeal, confirming Pycroft would continue.
• Pakistan’s next match vs UAE was delayed amid uncertainty.
• PCB claimed Pycroft privately apologized; ICC denied official wrongdoing.

This controversy has added emotional tension, making the upcoming clash even more charged.

Key Battles to Watch

• India’s Spinners vs Pakistan’s Batters – Kuldeep Yadav & Varun Chakaravarthy could choke Pakistan’s scoring.
• Opening Pairings – Gill & Abhishek vs Shaheen Afridi; Pakistan’s openers vs Bumrah.
• Middle Order Strength – Can Pakistan’s fragile middle-order stand up to pressure?
• Leadership Test – Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive tactics vs Salman Ali Agha’s resilience.

Predictions & Expert Opinions

• India are favorites due to form, balance, and psychological advantage after the last win.
• Pakistan’s hopes hinge on their top-order. If they fire, Pakistan can push India into pressure situations.
• Experts : Expect a score of 170–190 to be competitive. If Pakistan bat first and reach 180+, India may face pressure under lights.

Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Schedule

Conclusion

The India vs Pakistan Super 4 showdown on 21 September is not just another cricket match—it’s about pride, strategy, and redemption. India enter as favorites with a stable lineup and recent psychological edge. Pakistan, however, are known for bouncing back under pressure, and a strong batting performance could tilt the game.

Beyond cricket, the handshake controversy has added extra spice, making this a must-watch clash for fans worldwide.

Who’s your pick for this blockbuster? India or Pakistan? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

FAQs – India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Super 4