SHARJAH // Fixtures between India and Pakistan in the UAE have become like London buses. You wait around for ages for one to arrive and then two come along at once.
The two sides met in their U19 Asia Cup pool match in Dubai on Tuesday, eight years after the senior teams last played on these shores, in a two-match series in Abu Dhabi.
Four days later and they are meeting again in the final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
While supporters of the two teams in the UAE may have become estranged from this fixture in recent years, the rival players have not.
They have met three times in the past two Asia Cups, and the results suggest today's meeting is too close to call.
There has been one tie, when the nations shared this trophy in Malaysia two years ago. Back then, India won the group match back by one run. On Tuesday, Pakistan had the better of a two-wicket win.
The fact Pakistan tasted success most recently will fill them with optimism, while they have also had the benefit of an extended run of matches at this ground.
"The boys are very familiar with this place because we have been here for around one month," said Azam Khan, Pakistan's coach. "These youngsters adjusted very quickly to the environment and it feels like home now.
"Of course it is exciting when we are playing against India, but I have told my players to play normal cricket and to play their best game. The boys are very capable, they have been playing well as a team and that is why we are unbeaten in so many games."
Bharati Arun, India's coach, believes his side will be better-equipped for the final after being taught some lessons in the pool match in Dubai.
"It was a great learning experience for them," Arun said. "These are the sort of things we need to improve and next time we will come out even better."
pradley@thenational.ae
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