DUBAI: Pakistan and India will renew one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries on Sunday when they meet in a high-voltage Asia Cup T20 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with sweltering conditions and spin-friendly pitch likely to play a key role.
According to AccuWeather, temperatures in Dubai are expected to reach 39–40°C during the day, with a “RealFeel” of 44°C due to intense sunshine and humidity.
By nightfall, conditions will remain sticky, hovering around 30°C, with winds gusting up to 33 km/h offering little relief. Air quality has been rated “very unhealthy.” No rain is forecast, ensuring a full contest.
The surface at Dubai traditionally offers balance between bat and ball. Fast bowlers may find movement early with the new ball, while spinners are expected to dominate as the match progresses.
Dew is likely to appear later in the evening, favouring teams batting second. Ground staff confirmed that one of the centre pitches has been prepared for the blockbuster encounter.
Indian spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to enjoy assistance from the surface, while Pakistan will look to Abrar Ahmed and young left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.
“Batting tends to improve during the middle overs, giving chasing teams a slight edge,” a stadium official told reporters.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan are likely to field Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed.
India are expected to line up with Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vc), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy.
Dubai Police Security Warning
Ahead of the match, Dubai Police issued a warning to fans to maintain discipline inside the stadium. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Events Security Committee, said that violence, racist behaviour or abusive language would not be tolerated.
Offenders could face one to three months in jail and fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 (USD 2,700–8,200).
#News | Dubai’s ESC Urges Asia Cup Fans to Respect Laws and Embrace Sportsmanship
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“Any violation will result in immediate legal action to protect the safety of fans and preserve the stadium environment,” Al Mazrouei said in a statement.
Historic Rivalry
India hold a dominance in T20 internationals, winning 10 of 13 encounters. Their most recent meeting came at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, when Rohit Sharma’s side edged past Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller.
Sunday’s encounter will revive individual duels that have added spice to the rivalry. Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, remembered for his 2017 Champions Trophy final century, will once again face India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem will renew his battle with Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, while Abrar Ahmed’s spin is expected to test Shubman Gill.
On the other side, Pakistan’s fiery pacer Haris Rauf will look to unsettle India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, whom he has dismissed twice in T20Is.
Gates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will open three hours before the scheduled 6:30pm local time start, with entry strictly limited to valid ticket holders, according to the Asian Cricket Council.
