Abhishek Sharma and...? Indian players who can prevent Pakistan from winning Asia Cup final

Abhishek Sharma can be India's game-changer vs Pak [Source: AFP]

The stage is set for the mother of all battles as India and Pakistan are going to collide for the last time in the all-important Asia Cup 2025 final. The Dubai International Stadium will be the battleground, which has already witnessed two Indian victories over Pakistan in the early stage of the tournament. 

As the focus shifts to the grand finale, here are three Indian players who could be the biggest threats to Pakistan's Asia Cup title dream. 

Abhishek Sharma

How Abhishek can prevent Pakistan from winning Asia Cup

Current form

Abhishek Sharma has showcased remarkable form in the Asia Cup so far. In five innings, Abhishek has hammered 248 runs at a superb average of 49.60 and a blistering strike rate of 206.67. Considering he's in scintillating form, Abhishek is definitely India's most powerful weapon to shatter Pakistan's Asia Cup dream. 

Performance vs Pakistan and Shaheen

Abhishek Sharma has been a headache for Pakistan in this Asia Cup. The swashbuckling southpaw has hammered 105 out of 205 (more than 50 per cent) of his Asia Cup 2025 runs against Pakistan, playing a key role in India's twin victories over their arch-rivals. He has taken a particular liking for Shaheen Afridi, amassing 31 runs off his 14 deliveries without getting dismissed. His onslaught can unsettle Shaheen, who can otherwise be a definite threat to the Indian top-order. 

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Hardik Pandya

How Hardik Pandya can prevent Pakistan from winning Asia Cup

Past record vs Pakistan

Hardik Pandya has been a proven performer against Pakistan over the years. Pandya, who bowls with the new ball, can cause serious problems for the Pakistani top order with his swing bowling. Overall, Pandya has bagged 15 wickets against Pakistan at a superb strike rate of eleven. 

Incredible all-round attributes

Apart from chipping in with crucial spells, Pandya can be really handy with the bat in the middle order. Considering the Indian middle-order hasn't really fired in the Asia Cup, Pandya can be India's go-to man with the bat even if the Men in Blue lose a few early wickets. 

Kuldeep Yadav

How Kuldeep Yadav can prevent Pakistan from winning Asia Cup

Loves to play against Pakistan

Kuldeep Yadav is one Indian bowler who has mostly stepped up against Pakistan in major tournaments. Overall, Kuldeep has bagged 19 wickets in just eight innings against Pakistan, averaging only 13.63 and striking at a superb rate of 19.5. 

Recent form and Pakistan's struggle vs spin

(Spinners have been effective against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025)

Kuldeep has been the most successful bowler in the Asia Cup 2025, scalping 12 wickets in five matches. Additionally, Pakistan have been poor against spin in this Asia Cup. Statistically, the spinners have scalped 22 out of 41 wickets against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. 

The Pakistani batters have also struggled to up the ante against quality spin, scoring runs at a mediocre run rate of 6.29. So, given that Kuldeep is in red-hot form, he can definitely weave his magic and expose Pakistan's weakness against spin in the final. 

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