Having swept aside all opponents on their way to the final, India will start as favourites against Pakistan in Sunday’s Asia Cup summit clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue have already beaten Pakistan twice in the tournament and remain unbeaten in six matches.
India’s Dominance So Far
India’s march to the final has been emphatic. Abhishek Sharma has led the batting charge with 309 runs in six innings, including three fifties, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have impressed with the ball. Even in an inconsequential clash against Sri Lanka, India clawed back to win via a Super Over, underlining their resilience.
I don’t think we’ve played a complete game in this tournament so far. After every match, we discuss areas for improvement. When under pressure, we need to get sharper.
Pakistan’s Stuttering Campaign
Pakistan’s journey has been less convincing. Losses to India in both earlier clashes have hurt, though wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the Super 4s have boosted their belief. Skipper Salman Ali Agha, under scrutiny for his modest batting returns — 64 runs at an average of 12.8 — admitted both his form and the team’s mistakes have been issues.
Yes, I haven’t performed well and my strike-rate hasn’t been up to the mark. It’s not necessary to bat at 150 strike-rate but to play as per the demand of the situation.
Pakistan’s batting has leaned heavily on Sahibzada Farhan (160 runs), Fakhar Zaman (135), and Mohammad Haris (131). Saim Ayub has yet to deliver.
Spotlight on Abhishek vs Shaheen
The final is being billed as another chapter in the Abhishek Sharma–Shaheen Shah Afridi duel. The Indian opener smashed a 39-ball 74 in the Super 4s and has taken 31 runs off Shaheen across two encounters. Pakistan’s think tank has identified him as the dangerman, but India believe their batting depth can cover even if he fails.
Controversies Adding Spice
Tensions have been simmering off the field too.
Even when Indo-Pak relations were worse, we still shook hands.
Salman also defended provocative celebrations from teammates, remarking he would not restrain their aggression. Such remarks are certain to add extra edge to Sunday’s final.
Pitch and Probable XIs
With the Dubai surface expected to play slow, a total around 180 could prove challenging unless dew intervenes. India may bring back Arshdeep Singh after his Super Over heroics, while Pakistan bank on pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
