New Delhi, September 28 (HS): Cricketing history will be scripted tonight as arch-rivals India and Pakistan face each other for the first time ever in the final of the Asia Cup. The much-anticipated summit clash will take place at the Dubai International Stadium, commencing at 8 p.m. IST on Sunday.This marks the first occasion in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup that India and Pakistan will contest the tournament final, heightening anticipation among millions of fans across the subcontinent and beyond.

India has dominated Pakistan in their two previous encounters during the ongoing tournament, securing emphatic victories on both occasions. However, concerns have arisen over injuries to a few key Indian players ahead of the final, which may prompt partial changes in the playing XI.

In contrast, Pakistan is expected to retain its settled combination with minimal alterations.

Probable Playing XIs

India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya/Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

The clash promises high-intensity cricket as two of Asia’s fiercest rivals fight not only for continental glory but also for prestige in one of the sport’s most emotionally charged contests.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar