Five survivors from last IND-PAK final return for title decider:Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, old rivals who might face off again in Dubai

As the Asia Cup 2025 nears its business end, all eyes are on the much-awaited India vs Pakistan final at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28. This will be the first time in eight years that the arch rivals meet in the title clash of a major tournament, the last being the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan beat India comprehensively. Interestingly, despite several changes in both squads over the years, a handful of familiar faces still remain. Five players from that 2017 clash continue to feature in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, showcasing their consistency and importance to their national teams. From India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistan’s attacking opener Fakhar Zaman, these players have once again locked horns in this tournament. Their battle will not only revive memories of past encounters but also highlight how far they have come in their careers. With the stage set, the finale promises high drama and excitement as these seasoned campaigners look to leave their mark yet again. Also read: Suryakumar Yadav fined 30% match fee for Pahalgam controversy: Rauf fined 30% match fees for ‘abusing’
Bumrah-Pandya featured India in the CT 2017 final against Pakistan The last time India met Pakistan in a tournament final was during the 2017 Champions Trophy in London, where Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya were part of the Indian squad. Bumrah, who ha featured in five matches, managed to take four wickets but had a forgettable outing in the final, conceding 54 runs in his spell. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya contributed both with bat and ball in that tournament. He scored 105 runs and also claimed four wickets, but his efforts were not enough to turn the game in India’s favour. Both players, however, remain key figures for India as they continue to feature in high-profile contests like the Asia Cup 2025. 3 Pakistani players in current squad who won 2017 Champions Trophy From Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy final squad, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Ali, and Faheem Ashraf are part of the Asia Cup 2025 campaign. However, Babar Azam has been left out after the PCB selectors decided to drop him. While Fakhar and Faheem have contributed well so far, Hassan Ali has yet to feature in a single match this edition. Back in the 2017 tournament, Fakhar Zaman was Pakistan’s hero with 252 runs, while Faheem Ashraf played just one game, scoring 15 runs and picking up two wickets. Hassan Ali, though, was the standout performer, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps in five matches. India’s 3-2 record in Dubai against Pakistan Out of five encounters at Dubai, India has emerged victorious three times, while Pakistan has won twice head-to-head in the T20Is, making the rivalry tightly contested. With both teams boasting strong line-ups, every clash in Dubai continues to add intensity and drama to this historic cricketing battle. India will now face Pakistan on September 28 in the showdown of the Asia Cup 2025.