When Suryakumar Yadav, captain of India stepped onto the field at Dubai International Stadium on September 20, 2025, the buzz was unmistakable – the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four had officially begun.
Joining Yadav were Salman Ali Agha, captain of Pakistan, Charith Asalanka, leading Sri Lanka, and Litton Das, at the helm of Bangladesh. The four sides were set to battle across six high‑stakes matches, all vying for the two coveted spots in the final on September 28.
How the Super Four fits into the Asia Cup story
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) unveiled the 17th edition’s schedule on July 26, 2025, confirming that the tournament would be a pure T20I affair, hosted entirely in the United Arab Emirates. After a group stage that ran from September 9‑19, the top two teams from Groups A and B – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – progressed to the Super Four.
Each team plays the other three once, meaning every match is a virtual knockout. Wins earn two points, a tie one, and losses none. Net run rate (NRR) becomes the tiebreaker if points are level.
Complete Super Four schedule and venues
Here’s the rundown, in case you missed the official release:
- September 20 – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Dubai International Stadium
- September 21 – India vs Pakistan – Dubai International Stadium
- September 23 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- September 24 – India vs Bangladesh – Dubai International Stadium
- September 25 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- September 26 – India vs Sri Lanka – Dubai International Stadium
The two venues – Dubai International Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium – are both ICC‑approved and equipped with state‑of‑the‑art floodlights, perfect for the night‑time thrill of T20 cricket.
What the results have looked like so far
Bangladesh kicked off the Super Four with a four‑wicket win over Sri Lanka on September 20, posting 169/6 in 19.5 overs to chase down 168/7. The victory gave them an early three points.
India’s showdown with Pakistan on September 21 was the headline act. In a nail‑biting finish, India chased 172 and won by six wickets, finishing at 174/4 in just 18.5 overs. “We are focused on a record ninth title,” Yadav said in the post‑match press conference.
On September 23, Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by five wickets in Abu Dhabi – 138/5 chased down 134. That put Pakistan level on points with India but with a lower NRR.
As of the latest update (September 25), the Super Four table reads:
- India: 3 wins, 0 losses, 6 points, NRR +3.547
- Pakistan: 2 wins, 1 loss, 4 points, NRR +1.790
- Bangladesh: 1 win, 2 losses, 2 points, NRR –0.437
- Sri Lanka: 0 wins, 3 losses, 0 points, NRR –2.900
India sit comfortably at the top, but a slip‑up against Sri Lanka on September 26 could open the door for Pakistan, especially if the latter secures a win in their final match.
Captains, key players and tactical angles
Yadav has been in sensational form, averaging 45.2 with a strike rate of 148 in the tournament so far. His partnership with Rohit Sharma has been the backbone of India’s chase‑heavy strategy.
For Pakistan, Agha’s all‑round contribution – 37 runs and a crucial 2‑for‑15 spell against Sri Lanka – illustrates why he was handed the captaincy for this edition.
Sri Lanka’s Asalanka, despite the team’s winless run, has displayed flair, scoring a quick 38 off 21 balls against Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s Das, meanwhile, has been the unsung hero, anchoring the innings with a steady 45* against Sri Lanka.
Cricket analyst Anil Kumble notes, “The Super Four is a pressure cooker. Teams can’t afford a single mis‑field or a dropped catch – one slip can change the entire complexion of the final.
What’s at stake and what comes next
India are chasing a record ninth Asia Cup crown. A win in their final game would seal a top‑two finish regardless of other results. Pakistan, already on six points, need a victory on September 25 and hope India falters against Sri Lanka to guarantee a final berth.
The final, set for September 28 at the iconic Dubai International Stadium, will decide whether India adds another trophy to its cabinet or if Pakistan pulls off a classic upset. Either way, fans across the sub‑continent are already planning viewing parties, and the commercial stakes – sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales – are projected to exceed $25 million, according to ACC financial disclosures.
Historical backdrop: Asia Cup rivalry
The Asia Cup has long been a stage for India‑Pakistan drama. Since the tournament’s inception in 1984, the two have met 23 times, with India winning 15 of those encounters. The 2025 edition marks the first time both sides have faced each other in a Super Four match rather than a knockout semifinal, adding a new layer of intrigue.
Beyond the stats, the cultural significance is massive – streets in Delhi and Karachi erupt in celebration (or lament) after each result, and social media trends in both countries spike within minutes of a boundary.
Key takeaways for fans
- India lead the Super Four, but the tournament isn’t over until the final whistle on September 28.
- Pakistan must win their last two fixtures and hope India slips to force a showdown.
- Bangladesh still has a mathematical chance, but they need a miracle and a higher NRR.
- Sri Lanka’s campaign is effectively over, yet individual performances could earn them a spot in the 2026 edition.
Stay tuned – the next match promises fireworks, and the road to the final is still very much up for grabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Super Four affect India's chances of a ninth title?
India sit atop the Super Four with three wins and a superior net run rate (+3.547). A victory against Sri Lanka on September 26 will guarantee a top‑two finish, essentially clinching a spot in the final and keeping the record‑breaking ninth‑title dream alive.
What is the format of the Super Four stage?
Each of the four qualified teams plays every other once in a round‑robin format. Wins earn two points, ties one point, and losses none. The two teams with the most points (or superior NRR in case of a tie) advance to the final.
Which venues are hosting the Super Four matches?
Five matches are slated for Dubai International Stadium, while the two Pakistan‑Sri Lanka fixtures take place at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Who are the likely finalists based on current results?
India are the clear frontrunners. Pakistan remain in contention if they win their remaining games and India drops points. Bangladesh could theoretically sneak in with a win and better NRR, but their path is narrow.
What has been the historical head‑to‑head between India and Pakistan in Asia Cups?
Out of 23 Asia Cup encounters, India have prevailed 15 times, Pakistan 7, with one match abandoned. The 2025 Super Four meeting adds a fresh chapter to this storied rivalry, especially as it occurs in a round‑robin context rather than a knockout.
