The most exciting match of the Asia Cup 2025 is now ahead, as India and Pakistan will face each other at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. This match is not just a part of the group stage but also a new chapter in the rivalry that has been going on for decades. Both teams have started strongly by winning their opening matches, and now this clash has become even more interesting.

India are currently the number one T20I team in the world, and under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav, players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah give the team balance. On the other hand, Pakistan are going through a new phase under the leadership of captain Salman Ali Agha, but bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf still give Pakistan strength. In T20I history so far, India have won 10 out of 13 matches and hold the upper hand in the Asia Cup.

Sensitive environment and team preparation

This time, the match is not only important in terms of sports, but political and emotional pressures also surround it. Ahead of the game, former Dutch all-rounder and current support staff member Ryan ten Doeschate said that this is a sensitive issue and the players share the same feelings as the Indian public. He also clarified that the Asia Cup remained uncertain for a long time, and at one stage, it seemed the event might not happen. However, now that the competition is going on, the players face the challenge of fulfilling their responsibility with complete honesty on the field.

Ten Doeschate said he emphasised in the team meeting that the players must play for the country while setting aside personal feelings. He admitted that the players are facing a dual situation—on the one hand, they know what people think, and on the other hand, they must focus on the game with full professionalism. In such an environment, it is important for every player to be mentally prepared and give their best despite the circumstances. According to him, this is the point that will make the biggest difference in this big match.

"It's a very sensitive issue and I've got no doubt the players share the compassion and feeling of the vast majority of the Indian public. The Asia Cup was in limbo for a long period of time, and we were just waiting. We didn't think we were going to be coming at one stage,” said ten Doeschate.

"You know what the Indian government's stance is and now the team and particularly the players, you have to put those sentiments and the emotions behind. That's something we addressed in the team meeting today. We're aware of people's feelings, at the same time we've got to go out, and the guys get a chance to play for their country, and they'll be as professional and focused as they can be given the circumstances,” he added.

Pressure and test of professional attitude:

Ten Doeschate's statement makes it clear that emotions outside the field can affect the players, but the team has openly discussed this and prioritised mental preparation. The players are expected to understand the emotions of the audience, but focus only on performance while playing. Although this balance is difficult, it remains the real challenge. The result of this match will depend on both skill and mental strength, and it will be interesting to see which team turns this pressure into an opportunity.