'India will be under additional pressure': Pakistan pacer’s shocking claim on Asia Cup final

Former Pakistan selector and all-rounder Wahab Riaz has made a bold statement ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan on Sunday, September 28, in Dubai. Riaz believes that the India-Pakistan final will be an entirely different contest.

The former Pakistani cricketer said that the Indian cricket team will be under pressure when they face the Men in Green for the third time in the ongoing tournament. Riaz highlights that facing Pakistan for the third time in a single tournament adds extra pressure on the Men in Blue, as they now need to maintain a perfect winning streak to claim the trophy.

Wahab Riaz says Pakistan ready to turn tables on India in Asia Cup 2025 Final

According to the former selectors, this will be an advantage for Pakistan, giving them a psychological edge heading into the title clash on Sunday. The Men in Green have suffered back-to-back defeats against India, but they have shown great fight, resilience, and determination and made it to the final.

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Wahab Riaz said on ESPNCricinfo, “It is going to be a different ball game now because we have already played two games against India. Yes, we couldn't win both of those games. But now there will be additional pressure on India when they will be playing Pakistan in the final, and that's the key. It is going to be the third game of the tournament, which also gives some edge to Pakistan.”

India will be under pressure: Wahab Riaz

He emphasized that the final could be a thrilling encounter, as India faces the burden of winning three consecutive games against their archrivals, while Pakistan enters with renewed confidence and hunger for victory. Hailing Pakistan’s performance so far in the Asia Cup 2025, Riaz said that the team now has a real chance to lift the trophy against the world’s number one team.

Riaz added, “I think India will be under pressure now playing against Pakistan because they have to win three games in a row. So that could be a good blessing in disguise as well for Pakistan. Because now, the way Pakistan has played, the way they have come on to the top, they have a chance now, and I would love to see them lift the trophy, to be very honest.”

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Pakistan’s title chance depends on powerplay breakthroughs: Wahab Riaz

Meanwhile, Wahab Riaz also highlighted the impact of India’s in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been dominating in the powerplay and changing the game with his aggressive approach. He said that Pakistan’s chances in the final will depend heavily on taking early wickets in the power play.

The former cricketer has noted that taking two quick wickets upfront could shift the momentum and give Pakistan a strong opportunity to challenge India’s batting lineup. He also felt Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka gave them much-needed confidence going into the title clash.

Riaz signed off by saying, “We know that Abhishek is in one of the best forms, and he is somebody who is really making India look very different in the power play and taking the game alone. So, if they get wickets in the powerplay against India, at least two wickets in the powerplay, it will be a very different ball game.”