‘If Pakistan bats first, it’ll be low-scoring’ -- Kamran Akmal's prediction for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai

Devansh Poddar

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‘If Pakistan bats first, it’ll be low-scoring’ -- Kamran Akmal's prediction for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai image

The ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 is set to make history. The two Asian Giants, India and Pakistan, will meet in the final, their first-ever meeting in an Asia Cup final. 

Since the start of the tournament in 1984, matches between the two sides have witnessed some epic clashes, but they have never been in the final. While India have won the title the most times (8), Pakistan has only won it two times. 

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Ahead of the big clash, former Pakistani batter Kamran Akmal has made a hilarious prediction: The finals could be a low-scoring affair if Pakistan goes on to bat first. 

Kamran Akmal says Asia Cup final will be low scoring if Pakistan bats first

Pakistan qualified for the final after defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring game. Their bowlers defended a below-par score of 134, winning the game by 11 runs, in a virtual semifinal.

While the Pakistan bowlers have performed well in the tournament, their batting has been a major concern. The batters have failed to make it big and have disappointed the side greatly, especially opener Saim Ayub who has recorded four ducks in five matches.

As the Men In Green gear up for the all-important final against India, Akmal took a slight dig at the Pakistani batters during a conversation on  'The Game Plan' podcast.

More: Virat Kohli's ODI future doubtful? Legendary batter unlikely to play for India A in 50-over competition against Australia - Report.

"If Pakistan bats first, it (finals) will be low-scoring," said Akmal with a smirk. "If India bats first, the score will be at least around 170. Unless Pakistan bats like they batted on the 21st, the score could be around 150," added the former batter.

How many times Pakistan scored over 150 runs in Asia Cup 2025?

Pakistan has breached the 150-run mark only twice in this tournament so far: 160/6 against Oman and 171/5 against India. However, their best batting effort came against arguably the best bowling attack, where they piled up 171 in a Super Four game against the Indians led by Jasprit Bumrah.

As the sides take on each other for the third time in this edition, the hype and excitement around the match are higher than ever, especially given the handshake controversy, followed by the taunting 6-0 gesture, which has soured relations between the cricket teams.

While this Asia Cup has been more about the off-field battles and controversies, it might just see a fitting end with two of the best Asian teams taking on each other in the final.

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.