Cricket’s fiercest rivalry resumes this Sunday in Dubai as India and Pakistan lock horns in the Asia Cup T20. Beyond the headlines and controversies, this clash promises high drama with both sides carrying strengths, vulnerabilities, and plenty of match-winners.
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🏏 Form Guide & Team News
India
India have looked commanding in this competition but were given a real test by Oman, who kept them on their toes until the final overs. With Jasprit Bumrah likely to return after being rested, their bowling attack regains its cutting edge. Kuldeep Yadav’s fine form has strengthened the spin department, while Tilak Varma is expected to return to the top four after being pushed down the order against Oman.
Probable XI:
Abhishek, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
Pakistan
Pakistan’s campaign has been overshadowed by off-field distractions, but they will need to regroup quickly. Their batting faltered in the earlier meeting with India, and questions remain about focus and consistency. However, with players like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, and the returning Haris Rauf, they still boast the firepower to cause problems.
Possible XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz / Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed
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📊 Pitch & Conditions
Dubai has traditionally favoured chasing sides. In the last 30 T20 internationals here, nearly two-thirds of matches have been won by the team batting second. The average first-innings total hovers around 144, but in this Asia Cup, chasing has again looked the smarter option.
For Pakistan, setting a competitive target may prove difficult given their inconsistency with the bat. India, meanwhile, are strong in both formats but will still be wary of the ground’s chasing bias.
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🔑 Players to Watch
Tilak Varma (India): Promising youngster who can steady the middle order and accelerate when needed.
Hardik Pandya (India): A proven big-game player with both bat and ball; his finishing ability and wicket-taking knack make him a gamechanger.
Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan): Young hitter capable of turning matches with explosive cameos.
Haris Rauf (Pakistan): Pace spearhead whose wicket-taking ability could be crucial, especially at the death.
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🔮 Match Outlook
India start as favourites given their form and balance, but Pakistan remain dangerous opponents. If Pakistan can keep distractions aside and focus on the cricket, they have enough firepower to challenge—particularly if they are chasing.
With both teams stacked with match-winners, fans can expect another tense chapter in this iconic rivalry.
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