In a highly anticipated rematch, Pakistan and India are set to face off in the Super Fours stage of the Asia Cup on Sunday, following a contentious group-stage encounter last week. The match, scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, comes amid heightened tensions between the two cricketing giants. Pakistan secured their spot in the Super Fours with a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, despite concerns over their middle-order batting performance. Captain Salman Agha expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, stating, ‘We are ready for any challenge. If we play good cricket, like we have in the last few months, we’ll be good against any side.’ However, Pakistan’s batting struggles, highlighted by opener Saim Ayub’s third consecutive duck, remain a pressing issue. India, meanwhile, enters the match with momentum after a dominant seven-wicket win over Pakistan last weekend. The previous match was marred by the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with their opponents, a gesture that sparked controversy and led to calls from the Pakistan Cricket Board for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. Bilateral cricket between the two nations has been suspended since 2013, making their encounters in multi-team tournaments all the more significant. If both teams advance, they could meet again in the final on September 28, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
