A MATCH THAT CAN SWING BOTH WAYS

UNDER THE harsh evening sun, the groundsmen are trimming the rough edges of the grass on the outfield.

- SANDIP G

The broadcast hands are untangling the wiry knots of their gargantuan cameras and reassessing their perch. The security personnel are combing every square inch of the arena and fixing the barricades. Pantry staff are chitchatting, before the manager gives them a proverbial rap on the knuckles. The unquiet tension of hosting an India-Pakistan final is visible at the Dubai International Stadium.

THE STADIUM HAS hosted numerous India-Pakistan games before, two in the last two weeks of the Asia Cup alone, but nothing would feel remotely as immense as the one on Sunday. Cricketers spout cliches about it being just another game. It can't be further from the truth this time, with the rancour on the field, war metaphors, instigation and verbal exchanges, political posturing and undertones. The drama is rising to a perfect climax, with both teams seeking the ultimate victory over their bitterest rivals.