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Asia Cup 2025: What India Must Do to Neutralize Pakistan’s New-Look Squad in Dubai

Quick tactical guide for India ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 Dubai clash against Pakistan’s new-look squad.

Pakistan National Cricket Team have turned the page. No Babar Azam, no Mohammad Rizwan. Instead, a youthful, risk-taking squad led by Salman Ali Agha will face India on September 14 in Dubai. For India National Cricket Team, the challenge is immediate: how to blunt the energy of a team built on instinct rather than reputation.

1. Attack the Left-Hand Opening Pair

Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will walk out first. Both are left-handers, both dangerous if settled. India must target them early with swing and sharp lengths. Arshdeep Singh's wobble seam and Jasprit Bumrah's yorkers under lights could unsettle Pakistan's new opening experiment before it grows in confidence.

2. Spin in the Middle Overs

Pakistan's middle order features aggressive strokemakers like Mohammad Haris and Khushdil Shah. They like pace on the ball. India's response should be spin. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel can choke scoring, force mistakes, and make Pakistan work for every boundary. Slow it down, turn the tempo.

3. Field Discipline and Pressure

Dubai's larger outfield rewards sharp fielding. Saving singles against Pakistan's busy middle order is as valuable as hitting sixes. India must be ruthless: cut angles, convert half-chances, and deny Pakistan easy runs. Pressure builds quietly, then bursts loudly.

What's at Stake

This clash is not just a group game. It's India vs Pakistan — every mistake magnified, every smart move celebrated. Pakistan's gamble on youth brings unpredictability. India's task is to steady that storm with discipline and clarity.

The equation is simple: win the powerplay, own the middle, and stay ruthless in the field. Do that, and India can tame Pakistan's new look before it becomes a lasting threat.

Pankaj Jha
Written by Pankaj Jha