In the heart of the Asia Cup buzz, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh is all in on an India victory over Pakistan in Sunday’s grand final. But ex-wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia sounds a note of caution, warning captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team to watch out for overconfidence and something he calls the “law of averages.”
Cricket fans are in for a treat with this India vs Pakistan clash at Dubai International Stadium. It’s the third meeting between the arch-rivals in just three weeks, but this time, the Asia Cup title hangs in the balance. For the first time in 41 years, both teams have reached the final together, making it a historic showdown.
India has dominated their previous two Asia Cup encounters this tournament, beating Pakistan with ease. Yet Harbhajan isn’t sweating the pressure or the off-field drama—he’s laser-focused on one result. Chatting with reporters in Mumbai, he declared, “Today India will win, and we will all celebrate.”
Mongia agrees India enters as the clear favorite after their strong run. Still, he urges the players to stay sharp. “I expect a good match today. India’s chances of winning are high,” he told reporters. “But I’m scared of the law of averages—that idea where luck evens out over time. We have to ensure our players aren’t overconfident.” It’s solid advice in a fast-paced tournament where rivalries flare up quickly.
A big worry for India? Their skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who’s struggled on Dubai’s slower pitches despite his flair for 360-degree shots. In five innings, he’s scored just 71 runs at an average of 23.66 and a strike rate hovering around 100, with a top score of 47 not out against Pakistan in the group stage—right on his 35th birthday. Mongia sees the final as Suryakumar’s moment to shine. “He’s a big player, and this is the right opportunity for Suryakumar Yadav to come into form,” Mongia said. “He has the chance to show his class.”
India’s squad features Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, and Rinku Singh.
Pakistan counters with Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, and Sufyan Moqim.
As the Asia Cup final unfolds, all eyes stay on whether India’s momentum holds or if Pakistan pulls off the upset.
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