The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This Group A match promises to be a high-octane encounter, with both teams eager to assert dominance in this storied rivalry. For Pakistan, the question on everyone’s mind is whether their ace pacer, Haris Rauf, will make a return to the playing XI after being sidelined in recent T20I matches. This article delves into Pakistan’s predicted playing XI, the potential return of Haris Rauf, and the tactical considerations for this blockbuster clash.
The Context of the Clash
India and Pakistan have a storied history in T20I cricket, with India holding a 9-4 head-to-head record in 13 encounters. In the T20 Asia Cup format, India has won two out of three matches against Pakistan, making them the favorites heading into this game. However, Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha and the guidance of coach Mike Hesson, has shown signs of evolving into a more balanced T20I unit. Their recent tri-series win against Afghanistan and the UAE demonstrates their growing prowess, but facing the world No. 1 T20I side, India, will be their toughest test yet.
Pakistan’s team has undergone a transformation, moving away from a bowling-heavy approach to a more balanced unit with all-rounders and aggressive batsmen. The inclusion of players like Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf has added depth to their batting and versatility to their bowling. However, the absence of Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is with 124 wickets in 89 matches, has sparked debates about their bowling strategy against India’s formidable batting lineup, featuring stars like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav.
Haris Rauf’s Potential Return
Haris Rauf’s possible return is a major talking point. The 31-year-old fast bowler, known for his searing pace and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers, has been a key weapon for Pakistan in the past. His record of 120 wickets in 85 T20I innings at an average of 21.44, with best figures of 4/18, underscores his importance to the team. Rauf’s ability to trouble batsmen in the death overs could be crucial against India’s power-hitters.
In Pakistan’s recent matches, Rauf was left out to accommodate two specialist spinners, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, along with all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf. This strategy worked well against weaker sides like Oman, but India’s batting depth poses a different challenge. Sources suggest that Pakistan’s team management is considering bringing Rauf back to bolster their pace attack, potentially at the expense of one of the spinners or an all-rounder. However, dropping Shaheen Shah Afridi, despite his underwhelming performance in the 2025-26 season (seven wickets in seven matches), seems unlikely given his role as a spearhead.
Another contender for a spot is Hasan Ali, the highest wicket-taker in Pakistan Super League history, who impressed by dismissing three UAE batters in his last T20I. However, Rauf’s experience in high-pressure games, including five T20I encounters against India, makes him the preferred choice for this match.
Predicted Playing XI
Based on recent performances, team balance, and the conditions at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, here is Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the India match:
Saim Ayub
The young opener has been in scintillating form, scoring 816 runs in 41 T20Is at a strike rate of 136.45, including four fifties. His aggressive approach at the top will be crucial to counter India’s new-ball attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.Sahibzada Farhan
Partnering Ayub, Farhan has shown promise with 378 runs in 20 T20Is at a strike rate of 130.34. His role will be to provide stability while maintaining a brisk scoring rate.Fakhar Zaman
Despite concerns about his form and a recent injury scare in the Champions Trophy 2025, Fakhar is likely to retain his spot. With 2,104 runs in 102 T20Is at a strike rate of 132.24, his experience and explosive batting make him a game-changer.Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper)
Haris, who scored a century at No. 3 earlier this year, is expected to bat in the middle order. His 424 T20I runs, including a century, add firepower to the lineup.Salman Ali Agha (Captain)
The captain has been a revelation, contributing 489 runs and four wickets in 25 T20Is. His all-round abilities and leadership will be pivotal in this high-stakes game.Hasan Nawaz
With 432 runs in 19 T20Is at a strike rate of 167.44, Nawaz brings dynamism to the middle order. His ability to accelerate could be key in the death overs.Mohammad Nawaz
The all-rounder’s 638 runs and 70 wickets in 71 T20Is make him a vital cog. His left-arm spin could exploit India’s middle order, especially on a Dubai pitch that offers assistance to spinners.Faheem Ashraf
Another all-rounder, Ashraf’s inclusion provides batting depth and medium-pace bowling. His recent performances justify his spot, though he could be the one to make way if Rauf returns.Shaheen Shah Afridi
Despite a lean patch, Afridi’s ability to swing the new ball and his experience in big matches make him a certain starter. His matchup against India’s openers will be critical.Haris Rauf
Given the need for pace against India’s aggressive batsmen, Rauf is likely to return, replacing either Abrar Ahmed or Sufiyan Muqeem. His raw pace and death-bowling skills could tilt the balance.Abrar Ahmed
The leg-spinner has taken 23 wickets in 16 T20Is and impressed in recent outings. If Pakistan opts for two spinners, Abrar is likely to edge out Muqeem due to his consistency.
Tactical Considerations
The Dubai pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest, with an average first-innings score of 149 in recent T20 matches. Pacers have taken 62% of wickets, suggesting that Pakistan’s strategy will hinge on their fast bowlers. Rauf’s inclusion would strengthen this department, allowing Pakistan to target India’s top order early and restrict their scoring in the death overs. However, the team must decide whether to sacrifice a spinner or an all-rounder, as both Abrar and Muqeem have performed well, and Nawaz and Ashraf provide batting depth.
India’s batting lineup, featuring Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma (the top two T20I batters in the world) and Suryakumar Yadav (ranked sixth), is a formidable challenge. Pakistan’s bowlers will need to be disciplined, and Rauf’s ability to bowl at high speeds (often exceeding 150 km/h) could disrupt India’s rhythm. Additionally, Pakistan’s batting must adopt an aggressive approach to counter India’s bowling attack, led by Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Case for and Against Rauf’s Return
For Rauf’s Return:
Experience in Big Matches: Rauf has played in five T20I matches against India, including the 2021, 2022, and 2024 T20 World Cups, giving him valuable insights into handling pressure situations.
Pace Advantage: India’s batsmen, while comfortable against spin, can be tested by raw pace, especially in the middle and death overs.
Death Bowling: Rauf’s yorkers and variations make him a potent weapon in the final overs, where India has posted massive totals (including two scores above 280 in the last 12 months).
Against Rauf’s Return:
Current Form: Rauf was dropped for recent matches, suggesting the team management trusts their current combination of spinners and all-rounders.
Spin-Friendly Conditions: The Dubai pitch may favor spinners, and Abrar and Muqeem have been effective, potentially reducing the need for an extra pacer.
All-Rounder Depth: Dropping Ashraf or Nawaz could weaken Pakistan’s batting, which is crucial against India’s strong bowling attack.
Looking Forward
Pakistan’s predicted playing XI strikes a balance between youth and experience, with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman leading the batting and a versatile bowling attack featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. Rauf’s return seems likely given his track record and the need to counter India’s batting firepower, but it will come at the cost of either a spinner or an all-rounder. The final decision will depend on Pakistan’s assessment of the pitch and their confidence in their batting depth.
This India-Pakistan clash is more than just a game; it’s a battle of pride, strategy, and skill. With Haris Rauf potentially back in the XI, Pakistan will hope to leverage his pace to upset the favorites and reignite their Asia Cup campaign. Fans worldwide will be glued to their screens on September 14, 2025, as these two cricketing giants lock horns in Dubai.
