Arch-rivals Pakistan and India will face off once again in the Asia Cup on Sunday, as the former qualified for the Super Four stage of the major cricket event last night by defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 41 runs.
India has already qualified for the Super 4 stage. The first match between the two teams in the event was held last Sunday, in which Indian defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets.
Tension between the Indian and Pakistani teams further intensified after the Indian skipper and other players avoided a handshake with the Pakistan skipper and players in the first match. The Indian skipper also fuelled the situation by dedicating the victory to the Indian Army.
In the match against the UAE, Pakistan were staring down the barrel at 93 for six in the 16th over despite Fakhar Zaman's 50 off 36 balls.
But a magnificent cameo from number nine, Shaheen Shah Afridi (29 not out off 14 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) saved Pakistan the blushes as they managed to post a fighting total of 146 for nine on the board.
For the UAE, Pakistan-born pacer Junaid Siddique (4-0-18-4) and left-arm spinner Simranjeet Singh (4-0-26-3) were outstanding with the ball.
But the UAE's batting unit failed to rise to the challenge as the home side slumped to 105 all out in what was a predictable end to what threatened to be a very unpredictable day.