While India was the first team from Asia Cup 2022 Group A to qualify for the Super-4, their arch-rivals Pakistan followed the Men in Blue Friday to the stage on Friday. This is the second time India is facing Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2022, the first one being their campaign opener on August 28, where Team India reigned victoriously. 

However, the second match against Pakistan will not be any easier because of the last victory. They registered a huge victory against Hong Kong in the last match and that victory will help Pakistan to regain a lot of their lost confidence against India in the second match. The match on Sunday will also be the first time since the 2018 Asia Cup that India and Pakistan face each other in quick succession.

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What to expect

Both India and Pakistan stand almost equal when it comes to abilities when it comes to the conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The temperature and heat have been a problem for both sides, which was witnessed in their previous match. Both are missing their star bowlers, Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Jasprit Bumrah for India. However, other bowlers for both sides have filled their gap remarkably well in their absence.

Indian middle order, which was a concern ahead of the tournament, has not disappointed in the Asia Cup. Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have all shone in the tournament so far. On the other hand, Pakistan’s opening and middle order have not been too successful since the tournament started and will hope for a better display on Sunday.

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Bowling remains Pakistan’s strongest department and it has displayed good form in the Asia Cup. Shadab Khan registered a figure of 4/8, his career-best figure against Hong Kong, while Mohammad Nawaz claimed three by conceding only five runs in the previous match.

While spinners are not expected to play a crucial role in Dubai, Pakistan’s bowling lineup still seems superior.

Team news

India’s Avesh Khan will be doubtful to start against Pakistan as he has a fever. Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, who has replaced Ravindra Jadeja in the squad, are expected to start. It is still being contemplated who among Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant will start, however, the latter being a left-handed batter, the odds seem to be with him.

Pakistan was handed a shock when Shahnawaz Dahani, yet another pacer, picked up an injury and was ruled out of Sunday’s match. Either Hasan Ali or Mohammad Hasnain are expected to replace him.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: 5 reasons why Pakistan lost to India in game 1

Probable lineup

India: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Pakistan: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain