Many congratulations to my Pakistani forum mates and esteemed friends on reaching the final after overcoming early setbacks and close encounters against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This achievement shows that despite a difficult recent phase, Pakistan remains the second-best team in Asia.
The final promises to be a challenging contest for India, who have won the last eight international matches against Pakistan. The law of averages does not favor India here, and just as in the 2017 Champions Trophy, a slip in the final cannot be ruled out despite India being the stronger side overall.
What a win in the final would mean for Pakistan:
• Above all, it would restore national and cricketing pride after the regrettable unsportsmanlike actions of the ICT during the Asia Cup.
• It would provide a significant boost at a time when interest in the game has dropped a bit due to the absence of superstars and a long spell of poor results. Such a win could mark the beginning of a turnaround, giving both the coaching staff and younger players greater confidence and security to perform.
• It would also reaffirm the rivalry with India at a time when some in India have sought to downplay its significance.
What a win in the final would mean for India:
• Securing an unprecedented 3-0 record over Pakistan in a single tournament, ending with the trophy would underline India’s complete dominance over Pakistan and the rest of Asia.
• It would be the team’s third trophy in just 18 months, placing this run among the most successful streaks in cricketing history.
In the end, I hope for a competitive final where both sides focus on playing positive, quality cricket above all else.
I urge match watchers and fellow forum members to display a high degree of sportsmanship spirit while exchanges their thoughts on this match without getting needlessly emotional and disrespectful to the other country and group of fans. This is sports. It’s not war. We had that in May which we fought bravely.