With just a day to go before the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the Asia Cup 2025, young opener Saim Ayub has expressed full confidence in his team’s abilities.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Dubai on Saturday, Ayub made it clear that Pakistan’s focus is on winning the entire tournament, not just the marquee fixture against their arch-rivals.

When asked about taking on India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Ayub remained composed and upbeat. “I am ready to face any bowler,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal is to lead Pakistan to victory. He stressed that while the Pakistan-India encounter is always special for fans, the team treats it like any other match, with every player committed to giving their best.

The 22-year-old top-order batter underlined that success in the Asia Cup will not hinge on one or two players alone. Instead, Pakistan’s strategy revolves around different individuals stepping up in different games. “Mutual trust and support are the backbone of our squad,” Ayub explained, pointing out that conditions also play a role in team selection, with spinners likely to feature more on drier pitches.

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Reflecting on Pakistan’s loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup match held in the United States, Ayub said the team had moved on. “The memories of that game are faint. We’ve learned from the past, but our focus is firmly on the present,” he stated. Pakistan, he insisted, will play fearless cricket against all opponents, with total concentration on India this time around.

Pakistan entered the Asia Cup in solid form, having won a T20 tri-series in the UAE against Afghanistan and Oman. They began their campaign with a dominant 93-run win over Oman, posting 160 runs before bowling out their opponents for just 67.

India, however, remains the tournament favorite. Rohit Sharma’s men crushed the United Arab Emirates in their last outing, dismissing them for 57 and chasing the target in under five overs. This sets the stage for a thrilling Pakistan vs India clash on Sunday that fans across the cricketing world are eagerly awaiting.