The Asia Cup 2025 final has already created history before the first ball is bowled. For the first time in 41 years of the tournament, India and Pakistan will face each other in an Asia Cup final. Two of the biggest rivals in cricket, both nations bring with them decades of passion, intensity, and unforgettable battles.

While this is their first Asia Cup summit clash, the two teams have met in finals of other global and multinational tournaments. Their record shows just how unpredictable this rivalry has been over the years.

India vs Pakistan in Major Finals

India and Pakistan don’t often meet in tournament finals due to formats and group-stage eliminations. But whenever they do, the stakes are sky-high. Here’s how the battles have unfolded:

Head-to-Head in Finals:

• India: 2 wins (1985, 2007)
  
  
• Pakistan: 3 wins (1986, 1994, 2017)
  
  

According to the detailed finals data available on CricketMan2 India and Pakistan have met 12 times in tournament finals, with Pakistan winning 8 and India 4. This shows Pakistan’s dominance in ODI finals, while India’s most famous triumph came in the 2007 T20 World Cup final.

The Biggest Battles

1985 – World Championship of Cricket (India Dominates)

Kapil Dev’s India crushed Pakistan by eight wickets in Melbourne. This was a statement win early in their rivalry on the world stage.

1986 – The Miandad Six

In Sharjah, Pakistan’s Javed Miandad hit a last-ball six off Chetan Sharma, snatching victory by one wicket. This moment became one of cricket’s most iconic finishes and still haunts Indian fans.

1994 – Pakistan’s Consistency in Sharjah

Pakistan continued their Sharjah dominance with a 39-run win in the final, further tilting the finals record in their favor.

2007 – T20 World Cup Final Classic

MS Dhoni’s young Indian team held their nerves in Johannesburg, defeating Pakistan by 5 runs in a thriller. Misbah-ul-Haq’s scoop shot into Sreesanth’s hands is remembered as one of the most dramatic endings in T20 cricket.

2017 – Champions Trophy Final Upset

Pakistan stunned the cricketing world at The Oval, beating India by a massive 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell with the ball scripted one of Pakistan’s greatest wins in history.

Asia Cup 2025 – A Historic First

Despite 16 previous editions, India and Pakistan never met in an Asia Cup final until now.

• India’s Road: Unbeaten run through the group stage and Super Fours.
  
  
• Pakistan’s Road: Bounced back with a tense 11-run win over Bangladesh, thanks to Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf’s brilliance.
  
  

With Dubai’s tricky pitch favoring bowlers, fans can expect a low-scoring, tactical battle. India will rely on experienced stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, while Pakistan banks on Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Haris to deliver under pressure.

Why This Final Matters

• History: First-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan.
  
  
• Balance: Pakistan slightly ahead in finals record, but India dominant in overall Asia Cup history (8 titles).
  
  
• Pressure: Every Indo-Pak match is more than a game – it’s pride, rivalry, and passion combined.
  
  

Conclusion

India vs Pakistan finals have always carried drama, unpredictability, and lasting memories. Whether it was Miandad’s six in 1986, Misbah’s heartbreak in 2007, or Fakhar Zaman’s brilliance in 2017, each clash has left its mark on cricket history.

Now, as the teams gear up in Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025 final, fans can only hope for another unforgettable battle that will echo through time.