Stage set for mouth-watering India-Pak clash

India take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in an early ICC Champions Trophy clash, with a victory sending them into the semi-finals and the hosts into early elimination.

- Rasesh Mandani

Having warmed up with a win over Bangladesh in their opening Group A clash on Thursday, thanks to a Shubman Gill century, India hold the upper hand against their beleaguered opponents.

India, who enjoy an 8-0 winloss record over Pakistan in the ODI World Cup but are 2-3 in the Champions Trophy, will be determined to level terms after the painful defeat in the final of the 2017 edition final at the Oval.

It will be home away from home for Rohit Sharma's side at the Dubai International Stadium, where they will play all their games after agreeing to participate in the tournament only if they will not have to travel to Pakistan. The hosts are under pressure to revive their chances after the 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener at Karachi.

The tournament got off to a lukewarm response by the fans, but the stands in Dubai are expected to be packed on Sunday with expats from both countries likely to attend in big numbers.