ISLAMABAD: All eyes will be on Dubai as an unpredictable Pakistan cricket team takes on arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Stadium today, Sunday, in arguably the most anticipated clash of the Asia Cup tournament so far.
This is the first cricket match between the Asian giants after the militaries of both countries engaged in a days-long battle in May. Over 70 people were killed on both sides of the border as India and Pakistan attacked each other with drones, fighter jets, missiles and artillery fire before Washington brokered a truce on May 10.
India will head into the match as favorites, having won the last couple of encounters between the two sides in the shortest format of the game. A new-look Pakistan squad without former skipper Babar Azam and ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan will look to deliver a decisive blow to India in the Asia Cup tournament under new leader Salman Ali Agha.
Speaking to the reporters on Saturday night, Pakistan’s left-handed opener Saim Ayub said his team was not just looking forward to beating India, but also lifting the Asia Cup.
“It’s a big game, and fans from both countries care deeply about it,” Ayub said. “But it’s important for us to follow our processes in the same way, and work on improving our execution.”
