![Abrar's viral send off for Gill in 2025 Champions Trophy [Source: @CricketNDTV/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1757762401944_pak_ind_abrar_gill.jpg?type=mq)
Abrar's viral send off for Gill in 2025 Champions Trophy [Source: @CricketNDTV/X]
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns with each other in the sixth group-stage fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. The much-awaited clash will be played at the iconic Dubai International Stadium.
The contest between India and Pakistan is much more than just cricket. The neighbouring South Asian nations have been at loggerheads on the military front, a factor that generally adds context to the kind of rivalry they have had over the years.
It will be no different this time around, considering these two nations engaged in an armed conflict just a few months ago. So, keeping their turbulent relations and past incidents in mind, here are three player face-offs that could heat up this year's India-Pakistan Asia Cup affair.
Shubman Gill vs Abrar Ahmed
Why will Gill vs Abrar face-off be worth watching?
- Shubman Gill was one of India's most prolific performers in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Punjab batter ensured a solid start for India against Pakistan and scored a quick-fire 46-run knock until a peach from Abrar Ahmed disturbed his timber.
- More importantly, the Pakistan spinner gave the Indian batter a heated send-off, signalling him to make his way back to the dugout. His celebration was one of the most talked-about moments from that game, and it's needless to say that Shubman Gill must be keen for payback.
- Considering Gill is in the form of his life and steadily progressing towards the Indian captaincy throne, it's expected that he will try to dominate Abrar if these two players come across each other. In such a scenario, their clash could be the one to watch out for and might add the spice to the encounter.
Abhishek Sharma vs Sufiyan Muqeem
Why will Abhishek vs Muqeem face-off be worth watching?
- Abhishek Sharma and Sufiyan Muqeem have never had a face-off in international cricket. However, interestingly, a dramatic incident happened when these two cricketers collided in an Emerging Asia Cup encounter between India-A and Pakistan Shaheens.
- Batting first, the Indian side had a flying start, with Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh powering them to 68 for no loss in the powerplay. However, Sufiyan Muqeem came to the Shaheens' rescue, dismissing the dangerous Abhishek for 35 runs.
- Muqeem outfoxed Abhishek with his guile and got carried away a little bit while celebrating the dismissal. He charged towards Abhishek and gave him a verbal send-off. This didn't go well with the Indian batter, as he replied with an equally aggressive manner.
- The on-field umpires stepped in and separated the two; however, this controversy was in the limelight throughout the tournament. So, Abhishek must have the incident in the back of his mind, and things might turn ugly if these two come up against each other in the Asia Cup.
Hardik Pandya vs Mohammad Nawaz
Why will Pandya vs Nawaz face-off be worth watching?
- Hardik Pandya and Mohammad Nawaz have had multiple face-offs in the past. The all-rounders have dominated each other's bowling, setting the tone for a cracking contest between them in the Asia Cup.
- Pandya has smashed 24 runs off Nawaz at a blistering strike rate of 184.6 in T20I cricket. Interestingly, the Pakistani star has scored the exact same number of runs against his Indian counterpart, striking at an incredible rate of 218.2.
- So, given how they have focused on showcasing their batting prowess against each other, their face-off is one to watch out for in the upcoming match. Also, as Nawaz is in the form of his life and Pandya enjoys playing against Pakistan, we are in for a riveting clash if these two players live up to their potential.
