Cricket fever is sweeping through the UAE as India and Pakistan, two age-old rivals, gear up for a historic Asia Cup final in Dubai. This marks the first time in the tournament’s 41-year history that these two teams will face each other in the finals.
Dubai is no stranger to the fierce competition between these teams, having hosted eight previous matches under the bright lights of the Dubai International Stadium. India has emerged victorious in six of these encounters, while Pakistan claimed victory twice. The rivalry extends beyond the players, encapsulating the passion of devoted fans on both sides.
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With a significant number of Indian and Pakistani expatriates residing in the UAE, cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Dubai’s residents. They gather in enthusiastic crowds across streets, hotels, and homes, celebrating with cheers, hugs, and sometimes tears. Many even take days off work or travel from their home countries to witness these thrilling matches in person at the Dubai stadium.
Here are some unforgettable matches hosted in the emirate:
Asia Cup 2018: September 19
During the Group A clash in the 2018 Asia Cup in the UAE, India dominated Pakistan, winning by eight wickets on September 19.
India’s stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, praised the team’s discipline from the start.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kedar Jadhav each took three wickets, restricting Pakistan to a mere 162 runs.
With Rohit Sharma’s half-century and an 86-run opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan, India easily chased the target with 21 overs to spare. Bhuvneshwar was named man of the match.
Scores: India won. Pakistan 162 all out in 43.1 overs; India 164/2 in 29 overs
Asia Cup 2018: September 23
In the Super Four clash, India secured another comfortable win over Pakistan by nine wickets, with Shikhar Dhawan named man of the match.
Pakistan’s captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, lamented missed catches and poor fielding, despite the team’s efforts in practice.
This victory marked India’s tenth consecutive win in Asia Cups (ODI and T20I combined).
Scores: India won. Pakistan 237/7 in 50 overs; India 238/1 in 39.3 overs
T20I World Cup 2021
On October 24, Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match, a historic moment celebrated worldwide.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s dynamic pace and swing, along with an outstanding opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, led a young Pakistan team to triumph over Virat Kohli’s experienced Indian squad.
Scores: Pakistan won. India 151/7 in 20 overs; Pakistan 152/0 in 17.5 overs
Asia Cup 2022: August
On August 28, India won a Group A match against Pakistan by five wickets, bowling them out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Hardik Pandya was the ‘Man of the Match’ for his all-around performance.
This closely contested match also saw both teams fined for slow over-rates, each losing 40% of their match fees.
Scores: India won. Pakistan 147 all out in 19.5 overs; India 148/5 in 19.4 overs
Asia Cup 2022: September
In a thrilling Super Four contest, Pakistan defeated India by five wickets, sparking celebrations in Dubai’s Deira.
Despite Virat Kohli’s half-century, it wasn’t enough for India. Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive 71 off 51 balls laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s victory.
Scores: Pakistan won. India 181/7 in 20 overs. Pakistan 182/5 in 19.5 overs
February 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Due to strained political ties, the BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, the official ICC Champions Trophy host. Subsequently, the ICC designated Dubai as a neutral venue.
India defeated Pakistan with a six-wicket win, confidently chasing a target of 241 in their second Champions Trophy group match.
Virat Kohli scored a century, with Shreyas Iyer adding his 21st ODI fifty, securing India’s second consecutive tournament victory with 7.3 overs remaining.
Scores: India won. Pakistan 241 all out in 49.4 overs; India 244/4 in 42.3 overs
Asia Cup 2025
In the ongoing Asia Cup at Dubai International Stadium, India has defeated Pakistan twice.
On September 14, India won by seven wickets, quickly dismissing Pakistan’s batsmen.
On September 21, India claimed victory again, winning by six wickets with seven balls remaining, maintaining their T20 dominance over their rivals.
Both teams have advanced to the final, preparing tirelessly for the much-anticipated showdown in Dubai’s iconic “Ring of Fire” on September 28.
