DUBAI: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to field first against Pakistan in the high-voltage Asia Cup Super Four match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
India hold a dominant record in T20 internationals against Pakistan, winning 11 of their 14 meetings. In Asia Cup T20 clashes, India have prevailed three times while Pakistan have managed one win.
Pakistan and India enter the blockbuster Super Four clash with similar momentum, as the Green Shirts have just one defeat in their last five completed T20Is, while India are on a five-match winning streak.
Interestingly, Pakistan’s only defeat in their previous five T20Is came against India last week.
Meanwhile, Dubai Police issued a strict advisory for fans ahead of the Pakistan and India match.
Authorities stressed that following the instructions of security personnel and event organisers is crucial to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the match.
Fans have been advised to verify their tickets and use only the designated gates for entry. Dubai Police further urged spectators to maintain discipline and exhibit positive behaviour throughout the game, warning that any violation would invite immediate legal action.
It is pertinent to mention that in their previous group-stage encounter, Agha Salman’s men managed only 127-9 after opting to bat first.
India comfortably chased down the target in 16 overs with seven wickets in hand, as skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealed the victory with the winning runs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier lodged a protest with the ICC after match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Agha not to approach Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for a handshake at the toss. The PCB warned to withdraw from the tournament before Pycroft apologised.
India and Pakistan only play each other at neutral venues in multi-team tournaments, as bilateral cricket ties remain frozen due to strained diplomatic relations. Earlier this year, the two nuclear-armed neighbours engaged in their deadliest border clashes since 1999.
Despite the backdrop of political and sporting tension, both sides stressed their focus remains on cricket. “If we play good cricket like we have in recent months, I think we’ll be good against any side,” Agha told reporters on the eve of the game.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris(w), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
India Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson(w), Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
