Deja vu danger hangs over Pakistan

Two-time champions Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates meet today in Dubai for what is effectively a knockout in the Asia Cup 2025.

Both sides have beaten Oman but lost heavily to India, leaving this final Group B fixture as a straight shootout for a place in the Super Four.

For Pakistan, the stakes carry an uncomfortable echo of last year. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, they failed to progress past the group stage after a shocking defeat to hosts USA. Now, once again, defeat to the hosts would mean an early exit, a scenario that would further fuel doubts over their big-match temperament.

They arrive under pressure after a chastening loss to India. While their earlier victory and net run-rate advantage provide a cushion, history is also on their side: Pakistan have won all three previous meetings with the UAE, including two recent encounters in Sharjah.

The UAE, meanwhile, view this as a chance to create history. A win today would secure their first-ever Super Four berth -- a milestone moment on home soil.