Battle for Asian high: More than just a final

Stage set for first ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan

- GOMESH S@Chennai

GOMESH S@Chennai IN every build-up to India-Pakistan cricket match, the narrative has always tended to be familiar. The biggest stage; it couldn't get any better than this... the list goes on. More often than not, the contests have ended up being one-sided, diluting the narrative and therefore, the tension in the build-up towards the match.

This Asia Cup, however, is different. Although the rivalry aspect may still heavily favour India, one can feel the heat in the air every time the two teams face off, largely for non-cricketing reasons. A lot has happened off the field than on it in the last three weeks or so as India beat Pakistan twice before getting ready to meet them again in the final.