Asia Cup 2025: Full Schedule, Key Clashes, and Teams to Watch

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to electrify the UAE with T20 cricket’s finest, running from September 9 to 28, 2025, across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Eight teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong—will battle for supremacy in a high-stakes prelude to the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sourced from verified outlets like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and The Indian Express, this guide delivers the complete match schedule, must-watch fixtures, team insights, and key storylines. From the India-Pakistan showdown to dark-horse upsets, here’s everything you need to follow the action.

Tournament Format

• Group Stage (Sep 9–19): Two groups (A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman; B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong). Each team plays three matches; top two per group advance.
• Super Four (Sep 20–26): Four qualifiers play each other once; top two reach the final.
• Final (Sep 28): The ultimate clash for Asia’s T20 crown at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
• Venues: Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. All matches are day-night, starting at 6:00 PM GST (7:30 PM IST), per ESPNcricinfo.

Complete Asia Cup 2025 Match Schedule

Must-Watch Matches

1. India vs Pakistan – Sep 14, Dubai
   The rivalry that stops a billion hearts. India’s 9-wicket rout of UAE and Pakistan’s 93-run demolition of Oman set the stage for a Group A blockbuster. Expect packed stands, global viewership in the millions, and a battle for group supremacy. Key duel: Jasprit Bumrah vs Babar Azam.
2. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Sep 13, Abu Dhabi
   A pivotal Group B clash after Sri Lanka’s 6-wicket win over Bangladesh. With both teams eyeing Super Four spots, this match showcased Sri Lanka’s spin edge and Bangladesh’s resilience. Watch for Wanindu Hasaranga vs Litton Das.
3. Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – Sep 16, Abu Dhabi
   Afghanistan’s 94-run thrashing of Hong Kong makes them a Group B threat. Bangladesh, stung by Sri Lanka, need a win to stay alive. Rashid Khan’s spin could tilt this one.
4. Super Four Phase – Sep 20–26
   Six intense matches across Dubai and Abu Dhabi will decide the finalists. Net run rate battles and cross-group rivalries (e.g., A1 vs B1) often produce upsets. Last edition, Sri Lanka emerged from this phase to claim the title.
5. Final – Sep 28, Dubai
   The top two Super Four teams will clash for Asia’s T20 crown under Dubai’s lights. Historically, finals here deliver drama—think Sri Lanka’s 2022 upset over Pakistan.

Teams to Watch

• India (Group A): World champions with a stacked batting lineup (Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill) and lethal pace (Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh). Their 9-wicket UAE rout signals intent, but Pakistan looms large.
• Pakistan (Group A): Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace and Mohammad Haris’s breakout 66 vs Oman highlight their firepower. Inconsistent batting needs addressing.
• Sri Lanka (Group B): Defending champions, led by Charith Asalanka, boast spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka’s form (50 vs Bangladesh). Their 6-wicket win sets a strong tone.
• Bangladesh (Group B): Litton Das’s 59 vs Hong Kong showed grit, but a 6-wicket loss to Sri Lanka exposed bowling gaps. Mustafizur Rahman’s cutters are key.
• Afghanistan (Group B): Dark horses with Rashid Khan’s spin and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round prowess (53 & 1/12 vs Hong Kong). A Super Four sleeper pick.
• UAE, Oman, Hong Kong (Groups A & B): Associate nations with upset potential. UAE’s tri-series form, Oman’s bowling discipline, and Hong Kong’s Nizakat Khan (42 vs Bangladesh) signal fight.

Key Storylines

1. India-Pakistan Rivalry: The Sep 14 clash could dictate Group A’s leader and set NRR tone for the Super Four. India’s 7-5 T20I head-to-head edge adds spice.
2. Afghanistan’s Rise: With three wins in their last five T20Is vs full members, Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack could disrupt Group B’s heavyweights.
3. Associate Nations’ Impact: UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong aim to emulate Nepal’s 2023 near-upset vs India. Their fearless cricket could shake the Super Four race.
4. Pitch Dynamics: Abu Dhabi’s slow, spin-friendly tracks contrast Dubai’s batting paradise, per Cricbuzz pitch reports. Teams balancing pace and spin will thrive.
5. T20 World Cup Prelude: With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming, Asia Cup performances will shape team strategies and unearth new stars.

PlayerStats.org Take

Asia Cup 2025 is more than a regional showdown—it’s a proving ground for T20 giants and emerging stars. India and Pakistan’s star power meets Sri Lanka’s guile and Afghanistan’s unpredictability, while associate nations add flair. With UAE’s spin-friendly pitches and high-octane rivalries, expect upsets, records, and defining moments. Follow every ball with us at PlayerStats.org for in-depth stats and insights.

Asia Cup 2025 FAQs

Q1: Where is the Asia Cup 2025 hosted?

UAE, with matches at Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Q2: How many teams are competing?

Eight: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong.

Q3: What’s the tournament format?

Two groups of four; top two per group advance to Super Four; top two from Super Four play the final.

Q4: When is India vs Pakistan?

September 14, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, 6:00 PM GST.

Q5: How can I follow live updates?

Track scores on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, or PlayerStats.org for real-time stats and analysis.

Q6: When is the final?

September 28, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, 6:00 PM GST.

Q7: Who are the favorites?

India and Pakistan lead betting odds, but Sri Lanka’s title defense and Afghanistan’s spin threat make them dangerous.