Contrary to norm, the build-up hasn’t been prolonged and sustained. There has been no interminable wait for the action to begin, no great time to whip up passion and sentiment. The hybrid model of the Champions Trophy has ensured that the marquee clash in any global cricket tournament has almost sneaked up on us.

Must-win tie for Pak

Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will mark another chapter in the storied India-Pakistan rivalry. The two protagonists have the same agenda in mind — victory — but for vastly contrasting reasons. A second successive win will take India a long way towards a place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan need the two points to keep themselves in contention following their 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.