India have won the toss and elected to bowl first in the historic Asia Cup final.

During the toss, the two teams stuck to no handshakes and cold vibes for the clash.

In a first, both captains only spoke with commentators from their own countries at the toss.

“I think it looks a good wicket … under the lights, it gets better,” said Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav. “I think it will be good for 40 overs.”

Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha said he was happy to bat first, noting that “that’s what we’ve been doing since we’ve been here”.

“We’re very, very excited … and we just want to play a perfect game,” he said.

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the toss of the men’s Asia Cup final in Dubai. — ACC
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the toss of the men’s Asia Cup final in Dubai. — ACC

Opinion

Editorial

After the budget
Updated 26 Jun, 2026

After the budget

Though not a bad document per se, the budget for FY27 is a familiar one, and familiarity in our economic history is rarely cause for comfort.
Missing the mark
Updated 27 Jun, 2026

Missing the mark

Pakistan cannot rely on international partners to compensate for weak governance and inconsistent implementation at home.
Up in smoke
26 Jun, 2026

Up in smoke

PAKISTAN is watching an epidemic unfold as the menace of narcotic abuse hits every fourth household in Karachi ...
Reflection time
Updated 25 Jun, 2026

Reflection time

Israel is the biggest source of instability in the Middle East, and it is high time the US ended its blind support to Tel Aviv, if it genuinely wants peace in the region.
Raised temperatures
25 Jun, 2026

Raised temperatures

THE fraught situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir requires immense patience and cool heads. Temperatures are raised on...
Debatable remedy
25 Jun, 2026

Debatable remedy

THE Pakistan Psychiatric Society’s challenge to the Federal Shariat Court’s ruling on attempted suicide deserves...