For the first time in 41 years, Pakistan and India will battle for the Asia Cup crown in a grand final tonight at 7:30pm in Dubai.

The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as arch-rivals Pakistan and India gear up for their first-ever Asia Cup final clash. The highly anticipated showdown will take place at the Dubai International Stadium, promising a fierce contest between Pakistan’s in-form bowling and India’s explosive batting.

First-ever Pakistan-India final in Asia Cup history

Cricket fans have waited over four decades for this moment. Since the Asia Cup’s inception 41 years ago, the two cricketing giants have never faced each other in the final. Tonight’s match will mark a historic first, adding extra emotion and intensity to an already heated rivalry.

Match details and timings

The final will begin at 7:30pm Pakistan Standard Time at the Dubai International Stadium. A houseful crowd is expected, with ticket prices ranging from Rs32,000 to Rs480,000, reflecting the soaring demand to witness history in the making.

Pakistan’s bowling vs India’s batting

Experts believe the real battle lies between Pakistan’s bowling attack and India’s batting order.

The clash is being billed as a classic showdown: Pakistan’s precision bowling against India’s aggressive stroke play.

Green Shirts eye second T20 Asia Cup title

Pakistan’s national team is determined to clinch its second Asia Cup in the T20 format and third overall. The players have expressed strong commitment to their mission, with one passion and one goal — to lift the crown of Asian cricket.

Cricket festival like no other

Beyond the rivalry, tonight’s final is being celebrated as a grand cricket festival. With electrifying energy in Dubai and millions watching worldwide, the stage is set for one of the most unforgettable nights in cricket history.

As the clock ticks down, one question remains: Who will be crowned the champion of Asia — Pakistan or India?

Captain Agha eyes trophy

A day earlier, Pakistan's T20I captain Salman Agha expressed confidence that the team would aim to follow its plan throughout the match. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, he said, "Inshallah, we will see Pakistan winning tomorrow. We are trying to play our best cricket. If we follow the plan for 40 overs, we can beat any team."

He lavished praise on opener Saim Ayub, saying the young player had proven his worth in fielding and bowling and had the potential to serve Pakistan for the next 10 years. He added that expectations remained high for Ayub’s performance with the bat in the final.

Salman emphasised that matters outside the pitch were not the team’s concern. "It is not our job to control the words of the media or other people. Our goal is to win the Asia Cup. We will take to the field for that," he said.

Addressing the recent controversy over the absence of a post-match handshake, he remarked, "I have never not seen a handshake between the two teams. My father never said that a handshake did not happen. There have been Pakistan-India matches before. Despite the deteriorating situation, a handshake was done. Not having a handshake is not good for cricket."

Fans upbeat

Cricket supporters have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s chances of winning the Asia Cup final against long-standing rivals India. Many fans were of the view that, just as Pakistan triumphed in past conflicts, they will overcome India once again and bring the Asia Cup home.

Supporters added that if the players approach the match without fear, victory will follow.