Cricket Scorecard

Welcome back for India's response with the bat. The umpires walk out to the middle. Salman Agha leads his men out as the Pakistani players take their spots on the field. The Indian opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill walks out to the crease.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Well then, 147 is the magic number for the Indians to claim their ninth Asia Cup title. On paper, this score looks moderate or below-par. But remember, folks, it is the finale. The nerves will surely be there in both camps. For Pakistan, it becomes non-negotiable to take all ten wickets to get a win. For that, it is very crucial for the new-ball bowlers to start off strongly. Shaheen Afridi has performed extremely well while operating with the new ball in the last couple of games. And he has a

India went straight for Pakistan’s vulnerability, and the spinners did the damage in the middle phase. With regular strikes, they completely killed the momentum and ripped through the middle order in no time. Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar once again showed just how effective they can be as a unit. From cruising at 113/1, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out, failing to even bat through their full quota of overs. Such was the collapse that nobody, barring the top three, could even manage to cross doubl

Pakistan started on a very cautious note against the new ball, where Farhan did not look comfortable. The pitch did not look entirely flat and appeared to be a bit on the slower side, which tested the batters' timing early doors. But Fakhar and Farhan saw the new ball off, with 45 runs on the board in the Powerplay. Pakistan, though with a moderate score, passed the first huddle nicely. And due to the absence of any third seamer, the Indians were forced to unleash their spin trio earlier than u

A job well done by the Men in Blue with the ball. But fair to say, a pretty uninspirational batting display by Pakistan in the second half of the innings. They couldn’t really make the most of the solid start from their openers. At one point, crossing 200 looked pretty straightforward, but things went downhill quickly as they lost 9 wickets for just 33 runs in the end and didn’t even manage to play out the full overs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nawaz, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah completes the clean-up job! A collapse of epic proportions! From being 113/1, Pakistan have been bowled out for 146, losing 9 wickets for 33 runs. Bumrah bowls the off-cutter from around the wicket, short and near the tramline on off. Nawaz is made to reach out and he drags the pull. Does not pick the change of pace and skies it only as far as deep mid-wicket where Rinku Singh steadies himself and takes the catc

Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-25-1) to deliver the final over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz manages to retain the strike!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Abrar Ahmed, Indecision! Short and on off, Abrar goes on the back foot and shovels it towards backward square leg. Yes and no between the two batters before deciding to cross over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Slowed down but a bit too short, outside off, Nawaz reaches out and cuts but cannot hit it wide enough of deep point to collect a couple. Therefore, he decides against the single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz defends it solidly.

It will be Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl the penultimate over. 3-0-25-2 so far for him.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, 2 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Abrar Ahmed, Attacking the stumps, very full, Abrar Ahmed covers all three stumps and gets behind the ball. Digs it out beside the strip on the off side.

Abrar Ahmed is the last man in for Pakistan.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, ! CLEANED HIM UP! Haris Rauf cannot do much about it!

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, Full and honing in on the off pole at pace, Rauf gets under the ball and carves it to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, Four!

Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nawaz, On a back of a length, on off, Nawaz hangs back to block. Gets an outside edge that dribbles to the right of short third. A bit of hesitation between the two batters but they eventually decide to cross over.

This has been a complete nosedive for Pakistan after 12.5, when Saim Ayub was dismissed. Haris Rauf is in at 10. Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-18-0) returns into the attack now. 

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, ! CAUGHT! Uninspiring display of batting continues from Pakistan! Third wicket in the over for Kuldeep Yadav. Pakistan have fallen away dramatically from 113/1 and they are now 134/8, losing 7 wickets for 23 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, No run.

Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 9.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, ! LBW! India get the review right this time and Shaheen Afridi goes without troubling the scorers! The googly eventually does the trick for Kuldeep Yadav. This is on a nagging length, landing around the off stump and spinning back in towards the left-hander. Afridi expects the line to be outside off and therefore, he shuffles across the stumps. Shaheen gets down on a knee and has a hack across the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge to get hit on the f

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, ! PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? Shaheen Afridi has reviewed it straight away. This is the googly from Kuldeep, short and spinning in sharply, on off. Afridi fails to pick the googly from the hand and hangs back to deal with it.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Wide!

Kuldeep Yadav to Salman Agha, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A well-judged catch from Sanju Samson and the slide continues for Pakistan!

Shaheen Afridi is in at number 8.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Mohammad Nawaz, A bit of grip on this one, short and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz hangs back and drops it beside the strip on the leg side for a single.

Axar Patel to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Mohammad Nawaz is in at number 7 with half of Pakistani side into the sheds.

Axar Patel to Hussain Talat, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust!

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Drama!

Whoa, what happened there? Suryakumar Yadav looks animated and isn’t happy with Salman Agha getting in the way of the throw at the keeper’s end and appeals for obstructing the field.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, Closer to the bodyline, on middle, on a length. Salman Agha backs away and taps it gently towards the off side and in front of square for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Hussain Talat, Around off, on a length, spinning away. Hussain cuts it to Bumrah at backward point and sets off for a single. Bumrah releases a rocket-throw at the non-striker's end, but misses his shy. Had the throw hit, that would have been close. A risky single.

Hussain Talat is the new man in.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Pakistan are losing their way in the crucial middle over phase now. Fakhar Zaman departs for 46 (35) and Pakistan are 126/4. They were 113/1 at one stage.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, ! That has gone MILES!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Goodness me! That has passed centimetres close to the off pole. Flatter delivery from Varun, full and just around off. Fakhar Zaman tries to pick the bones out of it by slogging across the line, but misses to connect.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, On a length at 92.4 kph, outside off. Fakhar Zaman slashes hard, clearing backward point for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Darted in at the stumps, on a nagging length, Agha backs away and slices it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Flat and short, on off, Salman punches it wide of cover for a single to get off the mark.

Who walks out?

Axar Patel to Mohammad Haris, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! India get another wicket in a quick interval! Mohammad Haris departs for a two-baller and from 113/1, Pakistan have slipped down to 114/3.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Zaman now clips this ball to the square leg region for a single.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mohammad Haris, Tidy from Kuldeep! Full and outside off. Haris tries to paddle it and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

A promotion for Mohammad Haris as he walks in at number 4.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, ! GONE! CAUGHT! Kuldeep Yadav breaks this brewing 29-run partnership for the second wicket. Another low score for Saim Ayub as he walks back for 14 (11). Pakistan are 113/2 down now.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Short and flat, on the pads. Fakhar Zaman tucks it off the back foot through mid-wicket. Fakhar runs the first hard and sniffs to pinch the second but Ayub sends him back on a sharp call as the fielder in the deep is quick to run in and prevent any other run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Drags the length back, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman hangs deep in the crease and plays with soft hands. Nudges the ball to the mid-wicket region and the call is straightaway for two. And they get it. Excellent running!

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! Trying to keep away from the arc. Length ball, spinning beyond the wide guideline. Fakhar leaves it alone. Called a Wide.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, Slower through the air, outside off, on a length. Saim Ayub cuts it between cover and point for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, Quicker delivery, on a length, around off. Saim Ayub rocks back and cuts it straight to Jasprit Bumrah at cover-point.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Miles outside off, full and spinning away from the tramline. Saim leaves. Wide called.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, The length is pulled back by a yard, on off. Fakhar Zaman gets on top of it and flashes it over cover-point. Shubman Gill from deep backward point runs to his left and cuts it off. Two taken. 9 runs off Tilak's first over.

Tilak Varma to Saim Ayub, Tossed up, very full and outside off. Saim digs it out and drills it to the left of the bowler. Tilak Varma dives to his left but the ball evades him and runs towards long on. They cross.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, Full and on middle. Zaman slogs it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike with a single.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, Too full and flat, outside off. Zaman gets forward and carves it back to Tilak.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, ! SMASHED! Loose from Tilak as this is a genuine half-volley, on off. Fakhar Zaman skips down the track and bludgeons it over the bowler for a boundary. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN IN 11.2 OVERS!

Tilak Varma to Saim Ayub, Around the stumps. Length ball around off. Fakhar hangs back and punches it to the long off region for an easy single.

A change in bowling as Tilak Varma comes on.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Back of a length, a slower one at 115 kph, outside off. Saim Ayub hangs back and taps the ball into the cover-point region for a quick single. 11 off that over, and 21 from the last two overs for Pakistan. Shivam Dube's figures read 3-0-23-0 so far.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, ! Helped away! Wayward from Dube, as this is onto the pads, on a length. Saim Ayub just gets bat on ball and the ball races to the left of Jasprit Bumrah at short fine leg for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Nagging length, around off, Ayub cuts it off the back foot to cover.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, ! Powered away! Short and on the bodyline, nipping in. Saim pivots on the back foot and pulls it flatly towards deep square leg, beating the fielder's dive to his right for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Hurls it full and outside off. Ayub drives it through extra cover for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and slower, on the pads, Fakhar plays the paddle and it is fine of the man at short fine leg. Kuldeep Yadav gives it a chase and hauls it in. A brace to end the over. 10 runs and a wicket off the over. At the halfway mark, Pakistan are 87/1.

DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan were motoring at a healthy run rate and passed the first huddle against the new ball cautiously. But just went they were looking to go overdrive, Varun Chakaravarthy has provided a timely breakthrough for India. The pitch has not appeared to be a truly flat one, but the batters have not let any loose ball go unpunished. This is the phase where Pakistan have been really vulnerable in this Asia Cup and the Indian spin trio will be desperate to get a couple of quick wickets

Varun Chakaravarthy to Saim Ayub, This stays a bit low, at 92.3 kph, short and on middle. Saim adjusts to the low bounce and whips it to wide long on for a single to get off the mark.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, ! c Tilak Varma b Varun Chakaravarthy.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, ! High and handsome! Tossed up by Varun, on middle, on a length, Farhan clears the front leg and swings through the line. Clears the man at long on for a six.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy (1-0-5-0) replaces Axar Patel.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Fakhar Zaman gets away with it! The length is pulled back by Kuldeep and it is the googly, on middle and leg. Fakhar premeditates as he comes down the track and he looks to adjust. Gets beaten on the inside edge but luckily for him, the ball catches the back thigh and lobs over the head of the keeper. It rolls behind Sanju Samson for a leg bye.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Smoked!

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and not a lot of turn, on off, Farhan punches it off the back foot to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Wide! This is sprayed just beyond the tramline on off. Sahibzada Farhan lets it be. A tight call but given as a wide.

Kuldeep Yadav (1-0-11-0) to continue.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Patel fires it across the left-hander from around the wicket, Fakhar reaches out to cut it away but fails to connect. Zaman looks at the umpire but the umpire is happy with it.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, ! In the gap! This is slowed down and bowled fuller by Axar, on the off stump. Sahibzada gets down on a knee and reaches out in front. Slog sweeps it right between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Coming in the with the arm, short and on middle, nudged through mid-wicket for one more by Farhan.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, ! BANG! A six off the final ball turns a quiet over into a productive one for Pakistan! Kuldeep errs in length as this is a bit too short, on middle and leg. Sahibzada Farhan goes deep in the crease and nails the pull way over deep square leg for a biggie. 11 runs off the over.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Floated up, on middle and leg, Zaman slogs it away towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Kuldeep dishes out a googly, on a nagging length, on middle, Sahibzada steps out but does not quite get to the pitch of the ball. Adjusts to the length by tapping it towards short mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Sliding onto the pads, on a length, turned away through square leg for another single by Fakhar.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run.

Change of bat for Sahibzada Farhan. The man from the Pakistani dugout comes with a couple of willows. Farhan chooses one and is good to go. Also, a change in bowling. Here's Kuldeep Yadav into the attack. A bit early than usual, though. India are in a desperate need of wickets here. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Starts off on the shorter side, on middle, Zaman whips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, ! Up and over! A good result to end the Powerplay for Pakistan. This is dropped short by Axar but Farhan backs away and makes enough room for himself to free his arms. Flat bats it over mid off for a boundary. 8 runs off Patel's first over. At the end of 6 overs, Pakistan are 45/0.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Fakhar gets down on a knee and mows it to deep backward square leg for a run.

Live visuals show that Shivam Dube is currently sitting in the Indian dugout. Not quite sure about the reason.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Short and slower, on the pads, Fakhar Zaman stays back and tucks it with soft hands in front of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Axar darts it towards the right-hander again from around the wicket. On a nagging length, on middle, Farhan is tucked up for room and swipes it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Sliding on with the arm, following the batter, on the shorter side, Farhan backs away and punches it to cover-point.

Another over for Jasprit Bumrah in the Powerplay? Nope. Axar Patel comes on.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Good effort in the field, as that was traveling at the rate of knots! Pulls the length back a bit, does Varun, outside off, and a googly. Sahibzada Farhan backs away and smashes it to pierce cover and point, but the fielder at cover dives to his left and makes a half stop, slowing the ball behind him. A single taken.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Varun sees Zaman shuffling outside leg to create room and fires on wide outside off, on a fuller length. Fakhar Zaman throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. The ball shoots between the keeper and the short third fielder for a couple of runs.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Flat and quick, pitching on the leg stump and drifting in. Fakhar Zaman tries to sweep, but he gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball hits the back pad.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Pitched full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan sits down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Varun Chakaravarthy is into the attack now. Starts with a length ball, spinning in from off. Sahibzada Farhan is rushed on the back foot and punches it to mid off.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Full toss, outside off, Farhan drives it to wide mid off for a quick single. An expensive over from Bumrah. 13 runs from it.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Around the wicket, with a change of pace, just outside off, on a length. Fakhar Zaman tries to push at it, but gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball rolls behind to the keeper, where Sanju Samson fumbles on his left and the ball is parried towards short third. They get a bye.

Looks like Farhan is experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder. The physio is out to have a look.

Direct hit from Suryakumar Yadav but no one looks overly excited. Sahibzada Farhan is home as he managed to slide his bat inside the crease.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Had to hurry!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! That is a meaty blow! Back of a length, just outside off. Sahibzada Farhan reads the slower one and the length early and has enough room to work with. Sails it over long off for a cracking six.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! That is some stroke! Bumrah bashes the hard length, at 140.7 kph, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan stands tall, clears the front leg and pulls it powerfully over wide mid on for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and around off, at 134.7 kph. Sahibzada Farhan looks to slash it between cover and point, but hits it straight to the man at cover-point.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, ! Clever! Good adjustment from Fakhar! Dube spots Zaman dancing down the track and bangs it short into the pitch, on the off stump line. Fakhar Zaman, due to the gentle pace of the delivery, has enough time to adjust and plays the uppercut over the keeper for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, Angled wide outside off, on a fullish length. Fakhar Zaman extends his arms and drives it straight to backward point.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Farhan has struggled for rhythm so far. Very full, around off. Sahibzada Farhan tries to smash that through the off side by bending a bit low, but only manages to get a thick inside edge. The ball rolls past the leg stump towards short fine leg for a single.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, A low full toss, around off. Zaman advances down the track and smashes it to the left of Dube. He bends low on the follow-through and tries to stop with his left hand, but the ball gets parried towards mid on for a single.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Shortens the length, does Dube, and angles it into the batter. Sahibzada Farhan moves a bit towards the leg side and punches it wide of cover for a single.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, Fractionally full and on off, Fakhar Zaman prods forward and drives it to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! Touch full in length, outside off. It lands and folds away a shy bit. Sahibzada Farhan goes for an extravagant lofted shot across the line and the ball zips past the bat. 6 runs from Bumrah's first over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! Up and over! Full and wide on off, moving away. Sahibzada Farhan bends low and lofts it over backward point for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Slanting onto the pads, on a back of a length. Farhan tucks it behind square on the leg side. Abhishek Sharma runs to his right from deep square leg, and fumbles a bit to pick it up, before redeeming the ball. Two taken.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! Still, no bat on ball. Swings away from outside off, on a good length. Sahibzada Farhan barely moves his feet and tries to swing it over the in-field, but only manages to connect with thin air.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, SWING AND A MISS! Tempting stuff from Bumrah! Gets an away shape, wide outside off, on a fullish length. Sahibzada Farhan extends his arms to hit it through cover, but is comprehensively beaten on the outside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Starts from around the stumps and angles it onto the pads, on a hard length, at 136.7 kph. Fakhar Zaman misses to nudge it across. The ball deflects off his thigh pad, and runs towards deep fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Jasprit Bumrah will steam in from the other end.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, ! In the air, and one bounce, over the ropes! Pakistan and Sahibzada Farhan are up and running in this Finale! Full and at a gentle pace, nipping away from off. Sahibzada Farhan clears the front leg and tonks it over mid on for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length, just outside off. Farhan rises with the bounce and punches it firmly to cover.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! A peach of a delivery from Dube!

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Similar line and length, with some gentle outswing. Sahibzada Farhan pushes it back to the bowler. 

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Just a little away shape for Dube on a good length, outside off. Sahibzada Farhan plays from the crease and tries to slash it away, but gets it off the inner half of the bat. The ball rolls back to Dube.

Done with the national anthems. All the preparations are done, past results are bygones, and the moment is now. Suryakumar Yadav leads his men out to the middle.

We are hearing that the final is a sell-out, and it is no surprise given that this is an event 41 years in the making. Fans have been queuing up since 2.30 pm local time for the 6:30 pm start. While the stands aren’t full just yet, the atmosphere is already electric, and it should fill up soon. Time for the national anthems then. The match officials, followed by the two sets of players, head out to the centre. It will be Pakistan's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

India's Jasprit Bumrah is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He says that the weather is fantastic and the tournament has been amazing so far as well. Tells that it is not a regular scene that you play a single team three times in a single tournament. About his role bowling in the Powerplay, Bumrah mentions that the team wants him to bowl upfront and also feels that it is an interesting role. Highlights that he did it back in 2016 when he was pretty new to the stage. Says that he is t

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is near the deck. Shares that he is not surprised that India have opted to chase, given that they have won all 8 times against Pakistan when they have chased in T20Is. Ravi Shastri joins him and observes that the surface has a lot less grass and it looks flat. Opines that the track could get slower as the game progresses due to the lack of grass.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh (In for Hardik Pandya), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube (In for Arshdeep Singh), Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah (In for Harshit Rana).

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says that they would have batted first and shares that they have been doing well with the bat first. Says they are excited and looking forward to this game. Admits that they have not played a perfect game, but he is hopeful that they will play one this time around. Also shares that they have been playing on these pitches for a while and believes it won't change much. Informs that they are going unchanged.

The captain of India, Suryakumar Yadav, believes that this is a good wicket and feels that under lights, this wicket gets better. Adds that the track looks hard and reckons that it will remain good for 40 overs. Informs that Hardik Pandya misses out due to a niggle.

TOSS UPDATE - The coin is flipped for one final time in this Asia Cup, and it lands in favor of India and Suryakumar Yadav elects to BOWL first.

Welcome back for India's response with the bat. The umpires walk out to the middle. Salman Agha leads his men out as the Pakistani players take their spots on the field. The Indian opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill walks out to the crease.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Well then, 147 is the magic number for the Indians to claim their ninth Asia Cup title. On paper, this score looks moderate or below-par. But remember, folks, it is the finale. The nerves will surely be there in both camps. For Pakistan, it becomes non-negotiable to take all ten wickets to get a win. For that, it is very crucial for the new-ball bowlers to start off strongly. Shaheen Afridi has performed extremely well while operating with the new ball in the last couple of games. And he has a

India went straight for Pakistan’s vulnerability, and the spinners did the damage in the middle phase. With regular strikes, they completely killed the momentum and ripped through the middle order in no time. Kuldeep, Varun, and Axar once again showed just how effective they can be as a unit. From cruising at 113/1, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out, failing to even bat through their full quota of overs. Such was the collapse that nobody, barring the top three, could even manage to cross doubl

Pakistan started on a very cautious note against the new ball, where Farhan did not look comfortable. The pitch did not look entirely flat and appeared to be a bit on the slower side, which tested the batters' timing early doors. But Fakhar and Farhan saw the new ball off, with 45 runs on the board in the Powerplay. Pakistan, though with a moderate score, passed the first huddle nicely. And due to the absence of any third seamer, the Indians were forced to unleash their spin trio earlier than u

A job well done by the Men in Blue with the ball. But fair to say, a pretty uninspirational batting display by Pakistan in the second half of the innings. They couldn’t really make the most of the solid start from their openers. At one point, crossing 200 looked pretty straightforward, but things went downhill quickly as they lost 9 wickets for just 33 runs in the end and didn’t even manage to play out the full overs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nawaz, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Jasprit Bumrah completes the clean-up job! A collapse of epic proportions! From being 113/1, Pakistan have been bowled out for 146, losing 9 wickets for 33 runs. Bumrah bowls the off-cutter from around the wicket, short and near the tramline on off. Nawaz is made to reach out and he drags the pull. Does not pick the change of pace and skies it only as far as deep mid-wicket where Rinku Singh steadies himself and takes the catc

Jasprit Bumrah (3-0-25-1) to deliver the final over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz manages to retain the strike!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Abrar Ahmed, Indecision! Short and on off, Abrar goes on the back foot and shovels it towards backward square leg. Yes and no between the two batters before deciding to cross over.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Slowed down but a bit too short, outside off, Nawaz reaches out and cuts but cannot hit it wide enough of deep point to collect a couple. Therefore, he decides against the single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, Tossed up, fuller and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz defends it solidly.

It will be Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl the penultimate over. 3-0-25-2 so far for him.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Mohammad Nawaz, 2 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Abrar Ahmed, Attacking the stumps, very full, Abrar Ahmed covers all three stumps and gets behind the ball. Digs it out beside the strip on the off side.

Abrar Ahmed is the last man in for Pakistan.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, ! CLEANED HIM UP! Haris Rauf cannot do much about it!

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, Full and honing in on the off pole at pace, Rauf gets under the ball and carves it to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, No run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Haris Rauf, Four!

Jasprit Bumrah to Mohammad Nawaz, On a back of a length, on off, Nawaz hangs back to block. Gets an outside edge that dribbles to the right of short third. A bit of hesitation between the two batters but they eventually decide to cross over.

This has been a complete nosedive for Pakistan after 12.5, when Saim Ayub was dismissed. Haris Rauf is in at 10. Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-18-0) returns into the attack now. 

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, ! CAUGHT! Uninspiring display of batting continues from Pakistan! Third wicket in the over for Kuldeep Yadav. Pakistan have fallen away dramatically from 113/1 and they are now 134/8, losing 7 wickets for 23 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, No run.

Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 9.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, ! LBW! India get the review right this time and Shaheen Afridi goes without troubling the scorers! The googly eventually does the trick for Kuldeep Yadav. This is on a nagging length, landing around the off stump and spinning back in towards the left-hander. Afridi expects the line to be outside off and therefore, he shuffles across the stumps. Shaheen gets down on a knee and has a hack across the line. Gets beaten on the inside edge to get hit on the f

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, ! PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? Shaheen Afridi has reviewed it straight away. This is the googly from Kuldeep, short and spinning in sharply, on off. Afridi fails to pick the googly from the hand and hangs back to deal with it.

Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Wide!

Kuldeep Yadav to Salman Agha, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! A well-judged catch from Sanju Samson and the slide continues for Pakistan!

Shaheen Afridi is in at number 8.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Mohammad Nawaz, A bit of grip on this one, short and on middle, Mohammad Nawaz hangs back and drops it beside the strip on the leg side for a single.

Axar Patel to Mohammad Nawaz, No run.

Mohammad Nawaz is in at number 7 with half of Pakistani side into the sheds.

Axar Patel to Hussain Talat, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust!

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Drama!

Whoa, what happened there? Suryakumar Yadav looks animated and isn’t happy with Salman Agha getting in the way of the throw at the keeper’s end and appeals for obstructing the field.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Salman Agha, Closer to the bodyline, on middle, on a length. Salman Agha backs away and taps it gently towards the off side and in front of square for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Hussain Talat, Around off, on a length, spinning away. Hussain cuts it to Bumrah at backward point and sets off for a single. Bumrah releases a rocket-throw at the non-striker's end, but misses his shy. Had the throw hit, that would have been close. A risky single.

Hussain Talat is the new man in.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Pakistan are losing their way in the crucial middle over phase now. Fakhar Zaman departs for 46 (35) and Pakistan are 126/4. They were 113/1 at one stage.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, ! That has gone MILES!

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Goodness me! That has passed centimetres close to the off pole. Flatter delivery from Varun, full and just around off. Fakhar Zaman tries to pick the bones out of it by slogging across the line, but misses to connect.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, On a length at 92.4 kph, outside off. Fakhar Zaman slashes hard, clearing backward point for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Darted in at the stumps, on a nagging length, Agha backs away and slices it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Axar Patel to Salman Agha, Flat and short, on off, Salman punches it wide of cover for a single to get off the mark.

Who walks out?

Axar Patel to Mohammad Haris, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! India get another wicket in a quick interval! Mohammad Haris departs for a two-baller and from 113/1, Pakistan have slipped down to 114/3.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Zaman now clips this ball to the square leg region for a single.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Mohammad Haris, Tidy from Kuldeep! Full and outside off. Haris tries to paddle it and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

A promotion for Mohammad Haris as he walks in at number 4.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, ! GONE! CAUGHT! Kuldeep Yadav breaks this brewing 29-run partnership for the second wicket. Another low score for Saim Ayub as he walks back for 14 (11). Pakistan are 113/2 down now.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Short and flat, on the pads. Fakhar Zaman tucks it off the back foot through mid-wicket. Fakhar runs the first hard and sniffs to pinch the second but Ayub sends him back on a sharp call as the fielder in the deep is quick to run in and prevent any other run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Drags the length back, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman hangs deep in the crease and plays with soft hands. Nudges the ball to the mid-wicket region and the call is straightaway for two. And they get it. Excellent running!

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! Trying to keep away from the arc. Length ball, spinning beyond the wide guideline. Fakhar leaves it alone. Called a Wide.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, Slower through the air, outside off, on a length. Saim Ayub cuts it between cover and point for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, Quicker delivery, on a length, around off. Saim Ayub rocks back and cuts it straight to Jasprit Bumrah at cover-point.

Kuldeep Yadav to Saim Ayub, WIDE! Miles outside off, full and spinning away from the tramline. Saim leaves. Wide called.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, The length is pulled back by a yard, on off. Fakhar Zaman gets on top of it and flashes it over cover-point. Shubman Gill from deep backward point runs to his left and cuts it off. Two taken. 9 runs off Tilak's first over.

Tilak Varma to Saim Ayub, Tossed up, very full and outside off. Saim digs it out and drills it to the left of the bowler. Tilak Varma dives to his left but the ball evades him and runs towards long on. They cross.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, Full and on middle. Zaman slogs it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike with a single.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, Too full and flat, outside off. Zaman gets forward and carves it back to Tilak.

Tilak Varma to Fakhar Zaman, ! SMASHED! Loose from Tilak as this is a genuine half-volley, on off. Fakhar Zaman skips down the track and bludgeons it over the bowler for a boundary. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN IN 11.2 OVERS!

Tilak Varma to Saim Ayub, Around the stumps. Length ball around off. Fakhar hangs back and punches it to the long off region for an easy single.

A change in bowling as Tilak Varma comes on.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Back of a length, a slower one at 115 kph, outside off. Saim Ayub hangs back and taps the ball into the cover-point region for a quick single. 11 off that over, and 21 from the last two overs for Pakistan. Shivam Dube's figures read 3-0-23-0 so far.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, ! Helped away! Wayward from Dube, as this is onto the pads, on a length. Saim Ayub just gets bat on ball and the ball races to the left of Jasprit Bumrah at short fine leg for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Nagging length, around off, Ayub cuts it off the back foot to cover.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, ! Powered away! Short and on the bodyline, nipping in. Saim pivots on the back foot and pulls it flatly towards deep square leg, beating the fielder's dive to his right for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Shivam Dube to Saim Ayub, Hurls it full and outside off. Ayub drives it through extra cover for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and slower, on the pads, Fakhar plays the paddle and it is fine of the man at short fine leg. Kuldeep Yadav gives it a chase and hauls it in. A brace to end the over. 10 runs and a wicket off the over. At the halfway mark, Pakistan are 87/1.

DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan were motoring at a healthy run rate and passed the first huddle against the new ball cautiously. But just went they were looking to go overdrive, Varun Chakaravarthy has provided a timely breakthrough for India. The pitch has not appeared to be a truly flat one, but the batters have not let any loose ball go unpunished. This is the phase where Pakistan have been really vulnerable in this Asia Cup and the Indian spin trio will be desperate to get a couple of quick wickets

Varun Chakaravarthy to Saim Ayub, This stays a bit low, at 92.3 kph, short and on middle. Saim adjusts to the low bounce and whips it to wide long on for a single to get off the mark.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, ! c Tilak Varma b Varun Chakaravarthy.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, ! High and handsome! Tossed up by Varun, on middle, on a length, Farhan clears the front leg and swings through the line. Clears the man at long on for a six.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, No run.

Varun Chakaravarthy (1-0-5-0) replaces Axar Patel.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Fakhar Zaman gets away with it! The length is pulled back by Kuldeep and it is the googly, on middle and leg. Fakhar premeditates as he comes down the track and he looks to adjust. Gets beaten on the inside edge but luckily for him, the ball catches the back thigh and lobs over the head of the keeper. It rolls behind Sanju Samson for a leg bye.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Smoked!

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and not a lot of turn, on off, Farhan punches it off the back foot to long on for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Wide! This is sprayed just beyond the tramline on off. Sahibzada Farhan lets it be. A tight call but given as a wide.

Kuldeep Yadav (1-0-11-0) to continue.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Patel fires it across the left-hander from around the wicket, Fakhar reaches out to cut it away but fails to connect. Zaman looks at the umpire but the umpire is happy with it.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, ! In the gap! This is slowed down and bowled fuller by Axar, on the off stump. Sahibzada gets down on a knee and reaches out in front. Slog sweeps it right between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Coming in the with the arm, short and on middle, nudged through mid-wicket for one more by Farhan.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, ! BANG! A six off the final ball turns a quiet over into a productive one for Pakistan! Kuldeep errs in length as this is a bit too short, on middle and leg. Sahibzada Farhan goes deep in the crease and nails the pull way over deep square leg for a biggie. 11 runs off the over.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Floated up, on middle and leg, Zaman slogs it away towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 2 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, Kuldeep dishes out a googly, on a nagging length, on middle, Sahibzada steps out but does not quite get to the pitch of the ball. Adjusts to the length by tapping it towards short mid-wicket.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Sliding onto the pads, on a length, turned away through square leg for another single by Fakhar.

Kuldeep Yadav to Sahibzada Farhan, 1 run.

Change of bat for Sahibzada Farhan. The man from the Pakistani dugout comes with a couple of willows. Farhan chooses one and is good to go. Also, a change in bowling. Here's Kuldeep Yadav into the attack. A bit early than usual, though. India are in a desperate need of wickets here. He replaces Varun Chakaravarthy.

Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Starts off on the shorter side, on middle, Zaman whips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, ! Up and over! A good result to end the Powerplay for Pakistan. This is dropped short by Axar but Farhan backs away and makes enough room for himself to free his arms. Flat bats it over mid off for a boundary. 8 runs off Patel's first over. At the end of 6 overs, Pakistan are 45/0.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and attacking the stumps, Fakhar gets down on a knee and mows it to deep backward square leg for a run.

Live visuals show that Shivam Dube is currently sitting in the Indian dugout. Not quite sure about the reason.

Axar Patel to Fakhar Zaman, Short and slower, on the pads, Fakhar Zaman stays back and tucks it with soft hands in front of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Axar darts it towards the right-hander again from around the wicket. On a nagging length, on middle, Farhan is tucked up for room and swipes it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Axar Patel to Sahibzada Farhan, Sliding on with the arm, following the batter, on the shorter side, Farhan backs away and punches it to cover-point.

Another over for Jasprit Bumrah in the Powerplay? Nope. Axar Patel comes on.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Good effort in the field, as that was traveling at the rate of knots! Pulls the length back a bit, does Varun, outside off, and a googly. Sahibzada Farhan backs away and smashes it to pierce cover and point, but the fielder at cover dives to his left and makes a half stop, slowing the ball behind him. A single taken.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, 1 run.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Varun sees Zaman shuffling outside leg to create room and fires on wide outside off, on a fuller length. Fakhar Zaman throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. The ball shoots between the keeper and the short third fielder for a couple of runs.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Fakhar Zaman, Flat and quick, pitching on the leg stump and drifting in. Fakhar Zaman tries to sweep, but he gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball hits the back pad.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Pitched full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan sits down and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Varun Chakaravarthy to Sahibzada Farhan, Varun Chakaravarthy is into the attack now. Starts with a length ball, spinning in from off. Sahibzada Farhan is rushed on the back foot and punches it to mid off.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Full toss, outside off, Farhan drives it to wide mid off for a quick single. An expensive over from Bumrah. 13 runs from it.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Around the wicket, with a change of pace, just outside off, on a length. Fakhar Zaman tries to push at it, but gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball rolls behind to the keeper, where Sanju Samson fumbles on his left and the ball is parried towards short third. They get a bye.

Looks like Farhan is experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder. The physio is out to have a look.

Direct hit from Suryakumar Yadav but no one looks overly excited. Sahibzada Farhan is home as he managed to slide his bat inside the crease.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Had to hurry!

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! That is a meaty blow! Back of a length, just outside off. Sahibzada Farhan reads the slower one and the length early and has enough room to work with. Sails it over long off for a cracking six.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! That is some stroke! Bumrah bashes the hard length, at 140.7 kph, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan stands tall, clears the front leg and pulls it powerfully over wide mid on for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and around off, at 134.7 kph. Sahibzada Farhan looks to slash it between cover and point, but hits it straight to the man at cover-point.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, ! Clever! Good adjustment from Fakhar! Dube spots Zaman dancing down the track and bangs it short into the pitch, on the off stump line. Fakhar Zaman, due to the gentle pace of the delivery, has enough time to adjust and plays the uppercut over the keeper for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, Angled wide outside off, on a fullish length. Fakhar Zaman extends his arms and drives it straight to backward point.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Farhan has struggled for rhythm so far. Very full, around off. Sahibzada Farhan tries to smash that through the off side by bending a bit low, but only manages to get a thick inside edge. The ball rolls past the leg stump towards short fine leg for a single.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, A low full toss, around off. Zaman advances down the track and smashes it to the left of Dube. He bends low on the follow-through and tries to stop with his left hand, but the ball gets parried towards mid on for a single.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Shortens the length, does Dube, and angles it into the batter. Sahibzada Farhan moves a bit towards the leg side and punches it wide of cover for a single.

Shivam Dube to Fakhar Zaman, Fractionally full and on off, Fakhar Zaman prods forward and drives it to the left of mid off for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! Touch full in length, outside off. It lands and folds away a shy bit. Sahibzada Farhan goes for an extravagant lofted shot across the line and the ball zips past the bat. 6 runs from Bumrah's first over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, ! Up and over! Full and wide on off, moving away. Sahibzada Farhan bends low and lofts it over backward point for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, Slanting onto the pads, on a back of a length. Farhan tucks it behind square on the leg side. Abhishek Sharma runs to his right from deep square leg, and fumbles a bit to pick it up, before redeeming the ball. Two taken.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! Still, no bat on ball. Swings away from outside off, on a good length. Sahibzada Farhan barely moves his feet and tries to swing it over the in-field, but only manages to connect with thin air.

Jasprit Bumrah to Sahibzada Farhan, SWING AND A MISS! Tempting stuff from Bumrah! Gets an away shape, wide outside off, on a fullish length. Sahibzada Farhan extends his arms to hit it through cover, but is comprehensively beaten on the outside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Starts from around the stumps and angles it onto the pads, on a hard length, at 136.7 kph. Fakhar Zaman misses to nudge it across. The ball deflects off his thigh pad, and runs towards deep fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Jasprit Bumrah will steam in from the other end.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, No run.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, ! In the air, and one bounce, over the ropes! Pakistan and Sahibzada Farhan are up and running in this Finale! Full and at a gentle pace, nipping away from off. Sahibzada Farhan clears the front leg and tonks it over mid on for a boundary.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length, just outside off. Farhan rises with the bounce and punches it firmly to cover.

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! A peach of a delivery from Dube!

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Similar line and length, with some gentle outswing. Sahibzada Farhan pushes it back to the bowler. 

Shivam Dube to Sahibzada Farhan, Just a little away shape for Dube on a good length, outside off. Sahibzada Farhan plays from the crease and tries to slash it away, but gets it off the inner half of the bat. The ball rolls back to Dube.

Done with the national anthems. All the preparations are done, past results are bygones, and the moment is now. Suryakumar Yadav leads his men out to the middle.

We are hearing that the final is a sell-out, and it is no surprise given that this is an event 41 years in the making. Fans have been queuing up since 2.30 pm local time for the 6:30 pm start. While the stands aren’t full just yet, the atmosphere is already electric, and it should fill up soon. Time for the national anthems then. The match officials, followed by the two sets of players, head out to the centre. It will be Pakistan's national anthem first, followed by that of India.

India's Jasprit Bumrah is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He says that the weather is fantastic and the tournament has been amazing so far as well. Tells that it is not a regular scene that you play a single team three times in a single tournament. About his role bowling in the Powerplay, Bumrah mentions that the team wants him to bowl upfront and also feels that it is an interesting role. Highlights that he did it back in 2016 when he was pretty new to the stage. Says that he is t

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull is near the deck. Shares that he is not surprised that India have opted to chase, given that they have won all 8 times against Pakistan when they have chased in T20Is. Ravi Shastri joins him and observes that the surface has a lot less grass and it looks flat. Opines that the track could get slower as the game progresses due to the lack of grass.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh (In for Hardik Pandya), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube (In for Arshdeep Singh), Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah (In for Harshit Rana).

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (WK), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says that they would have batted first and shares that they have been doing well with the bat first. Says they are excited and looking forward to this game. Admits that they have not played a perfect game, but he is hopeful that they will play one this time around. Also shares that they have been playing on these pitches for a while and believes it won't change much. Informs that they are going unchanged.

The captain of India, Suryakumar Yadav, believes that this is a good wicket and feels that under lights, this wicket gets better. Adds that the track looks hard and reckons that it will remain good for 40 overs. Informs that Hardik Pandya misses out due to a niggle.

TOSS UPDATE - The coin is flipped for one final time in this Asia Cup, and it lands in favor of India and Suryakumar Yadav elects to BOWL first.