The Asia Cup 2025 is delivering thrilling cricket across the UAE, with intense matchups, political undercurrents, and teams fiercely competing for Super Four spots. From the group stage fixtures to early results, this tournament is already shaping into one of the most watched editions. In this article, we cover the full fixtures, current points table, and previews of all teams, so you know who is looking strong, who needs to step up, and which matches to watch.
India Beats Pakistan by 7 Wickets in Asia Cup Clash
Asia Cup 2025: Tournament Format, Teams & Fixtures
Format & Venue
- The Asia Cup 2025 is played in the T20I format, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ESPN Cricinfo
- There are 8 teams, split into two groups of four: Group A and Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, followed by the final. GenZ Cricket
- Asia Cup 2025 runs from 9 September to 28 September 2025. asiacup2025.net
Teams & Groups
Here are the teams in each group for Asia Cup 2025:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
Full Fixtures & Key Matchups in Group Stage
Here’s the confirmed fixture schedule for all group-stage matches in Asia Cup 2025 (including completed matches and upcoming ones) along with some of the big ones to watch.
| Date | Match | Venue | Notes / Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2025 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Abu Dhabi | First match of the tournament. |
| Sep 10 | India vs UAE | Dubai | India won by 9 wickets. |
| Sep 11 | Bangladesh vs Hong Kong | Abu Dhabi | Bangladesh chased down target: win by 7 wickets. |
| Sep 12 | Pakistan vs Oman | Dubai | Pakistan won by 93 runs. |
| Sep 13 | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Abu Dhabi | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets. |
| Sep 14 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai | India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. |
| Sep 15 | UAE vs Oman | Abu Dhabi | Upcoming. |
| Sep 15 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong | Dubai | Upcoming. |
| Sep 16 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | Upcoming. |
| Sep 17 | Pakistan vs UAE | Dubai | Upcoming. |
| Sep 18 | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | Upcoming. |
| Sep 19 | India vs Oman | Abu Dhabi | Upcoming. |
After these, the Super Four phase begins tentatively from around 20 September with matches between the qualifiers, and the final is scheduled for 28 September 2025.
Current Points Table & Key Standings
Group A Points Table (After India vs Pakistan Match)
Following the recent India vs Pakistan result, here is the updated Asia Cup 2025 Group A standings:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +4.793 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +1.649 |
| Oman | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | −4.650 |
| UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | −10.483 |
Group B Early Table Snapshot
Group B has seen some exciting opening matches. Here are some of the early standings:
- Afghanistan have begun strongly, memorable win(s) and a healthy net run rate.
- Sri Lanka also opened their campaign well, with a win over Hong Kong, boosting their position.
- Bangladesh had mixed results so far, showing fight but have to improve consistency.
Team Previews: Strengths, Weaknesses & What to Expect
Below are previews for each team in Asia Cup 2025, focusing on their early performances, likely strategies, and key players to watch.
Group A Teams
India
- Performance so far: Undefeated in first two matches. A dominant victory over Pakistan by 7 wickets showed India’s batting depth and spin strength.
- Strengths: Spin attack (including Kuldeep Yadav) looks strong; top-order flexibility; leadership under Suryakumar Yadav. Good net run rate gives cushion.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Need to avoid collapse under pressure; must manage expectations in high-tension matches (e.g., vs Pakistan). Also, over-dependence on spin could be tested on flatter or faster pitches.
- Key Players: Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma.
Pakistan
- Performance so far: One win (vs Oman), loss vs India. Their net run rate remains positive but is under pressure.
- Strengths: Power hitting, pace options, and ability to post good totals when batting first.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Vulnerable to early spin; top order collapse is dangerous; must win remaining group matches with good margins to secure Super Four.
- Key Players: Shaheen Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Haris.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Performance so far: Has lost their first match and currently has a heavy negative NRR.
- Strengths: Local knowledge; some experienced domestic players; motivation to raise profile.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Batting inconsistency; weaker bowling depth; difficult group opposition.
- Key Players: Muhammad Waseem, other all-round contributors.
Oman
- Performance so far: One match played, lost. Need big efforts in remaining matches.
- Strengths: Some capable performers; ability to surprise; less pressure as underdog.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Less depth; fewer proven match-winners under high pressure.
- Key Players: Their bowlers who can exploit pitch conditions, any big hitting in middle/lower order.
Group B Teams
Afghanistan
- Performance so far: Very good start, with convincing win(s) and strong net run rate. A team many see as dark horse.
- Strengths: Spin variety; bowling depth; players used to playing in UAE conditions.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Batting collapses in high-pressure games; handling big chase or defending big totals.
- Key Players: Rashid Khan, and their top order batters who can set tone early.
Sri Lanka
- Performance so far: Win over Hong Kong; decent opening.
- Strengths: Traditional Asia Cup pedigree; experienced players; spin and technique suited to UAE pitches.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Consistency; pressure in must-win games; ability to finish tight matches.
- Key Players: Their spinners, senior batters.
Bangladesh
- Performance so far: Mixed. Win vs Hong Kong, loss vs Sri Lanka or Afghanistan (depending on fixture).
- Strengths: Fighting spirit; some players in form; good crowd support.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Vulnerable to dot-ball pressure; bowling leaks; chasing under pressure might test their middle order.
- Key Players: Litton Das, bowlers who can pick wickets in middle overs.
Hong Kong
- Performance so far: Yet to win; big NRR deficits; difficult group matches
- Strengths: Underdog resilience; potential for surprise results if they catch teams off-guard.
- Weaknesses / Risks: Less experience; batting collapse risk; facing several high-quality opponents.
- Key Players: Top order batters; any bowler who can exploit spin or slow pitch.
Big Matches & What to Watch
India vs Pakistan (14 Sept, Dubai)
- Already played: India won by 7 wickets. This clash carried political tension, standout bowling from spinners, and significant leadership moments.
- Impact: boosted India’s NRR and secured their place at top of Group A so far. Pakistan must now win their remaining matches convincingly to make Super Four.
Upcoming Key Fixtures
- Pakistan vs UAE (17 Sept): Critical for Pakistan to solidify second spot. UAE could play spoiler.
- India vs Oman (19 Sept): India likely to pad stats and maintain top position.
- Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (16 Sept): Group B tussle; winner gains momentum.
- Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Key match-up between experienced squad and in-form team.
Net Run Rate & Qualification Scenarios
With limited matches in group stage (each team plays 3), Net Run Rate (NRR) is likely to be decisive in Asia Cup 2025. India’s early wins have given them a healthy NRR (+4.793), while Pakistan has positive but smaller margin (+1.649). Teams like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Group B also have strong NRRs that could prove crucial.
For Pakistan to reach the Super Four, they must win against UAE and possibly Oman, ideally by large margins. A narrow win might not suffice if India’s superior NRR holds.
Tactical Trends & Pitch Conditions
- UAE pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have offered assistance to spin, especially in middle overs. Teams with strong spin attacks (India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) are benefitting.
- High variance in toss advantage: Some teams batting first have set good totals (Pakistan vs Oman), but chasing under pressure has been easier when bowling first due to dew or flat surfaces later in games.
- High scoring potential if batting gets momentum, though early wickets change dynamics quickly.
What this means for Super Four & Road to Final
- The top 2 from each group proceed. Given current standings, India is almost certain from Group A; Pakistan and one among UAE/Oman will fight for second. In Group B, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in strong positions.
- Super Four matches will pit group winners against runners-up, making every group match important not just for qualification but for styling advantage (order, fatigue, matchups).
- The final (28 September) will likely feature two of India / Pakistan / Afghanistan / Sri Lanka if current trends hold, but surprise runs are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Asia Cup 2025
1. When is the Asia Cup 2025 being played?
The Asia Cup 2025 began on 9 September 2025 and will run until 28 September 2025. The group stage is followed by the Super Four and then the final. The matches are being hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
2. How many teams are competing in the Asia Cup 2025?
There are 8 teams divided into two groups.
- Group A: India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman
- Group B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong
3. Which format is the Asia Cup 2025 being played in?
The Asia Cup 2025 is being played in the T20 format. This is designed as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, giving teams an opportunity to test combinations and strategies.
4. What is the current Asia Cup 2025 points table?
As of mid-September, India leads Group A with two wins (including against Pakistan), while Pakistan sits second with one win and one loss. In Group B, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are looking strong with early wins. The final points table will keep evolving with each fixture.
5. How does qualification for the Super Four work in Asia Cup 2025?
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage. From there, each team will play against all other qualifiers. The top two teams from the Super Four standings qualify for the final on 28 September 2025.
6. Who won the big India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash?
India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai on 14 September 2025. It was a high-profile, politically charged encounter where India’s spinners dominated and their batting lineup chased down the target with ease.
7. Which players are standing out in Asia Cup 2025 so far?
- India: Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin, and Abhishek Sharma’s batting.
- Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi’s bowling, Salman Ali Agha’s steady contributions.
- Afghanistan: Rashid Khan remains a game-changer, while their top order has also impressed.
- Sri Lanka: Their experienced spinners and steady middle order are proving vital.
8. Where can fans watch Asia Cup 2025 live?
Matches are broadcast on Star Sports Network in India, PTV Sports in Pakistan, and SLRC in Sri Lanka. Live streaming is available on Disney+ Hotstar, Daraz, and other digital platforms.
9. Will Net Run Rate (NRR) play a big role in Asia Cup 2025?
Yes. With only three matches per team in the group stage, NRR is crucial. Teams like India have already built a healthy NRR, while Pakistan will need convincing wins in remaining games to avoid elimination.
10. Who are the favorites to win Asia Cup 2025?
Based on form and depth, India and Afghanistan look strong. Sri Lanka are also in contention due to their balanced squad, while Pakistan must recover momentum quickly. Upsets from UAE or Oman could make things interesting.
Conclusion: Asia Cup 2025 is Already Living Up to the Hype
The Asia Cup 2025 has reaffirmed why this tournament is more than just a cricket competition — it’s a battle of pride, rivalry, and preparation for the global stage. India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan has set the tone, but every group match carries immense importance. With Afghanistan emerging as dark horses and Sri Lanka showcasing their Asia Cup pedigree, the race to the Super Four is heating up.
What makes Asia Cup 2025 truly special is the variety of stories unfolding: established giants trying to assert dominance, underdogs like Oman and Hong Kong aiming to shock the cricketing world, and millions of fans across Asia glued to every ball.
As we move deeper into the fixtures, one thing is certain — the Asia Cup 2025 is not just about lifting the trophy, but about shaping momentum and identity ahead of future ICC tournaments. By the time the final arrives on 28 September 2025, the cricketing world will know which Asian giant has truly risen to the top.