Indo-Pak rivalry at forefront in Asian Champions Trophy final

Their confidence sky-high after an unbeaten run in the league stage, a vivacious India will lock horn with arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a cracker of a final in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here tomorrow.

After their pulsating 2-2 draw in the group match on Friday, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter between the traditional rivals.

In the group match, India fought back after being 0-2 down as both teams played a cautious game intent on reaching the final.

Sunday should see a thriller as both have nothing to lose, though the hockey fans in both the nations would love to see their respective teams to triumph.

India have done well to reach the final. Critics and a host of former players believed that the team without the stars will not be able to deliver. But Michael Nobbs' team has surprised many.

India is the only unbeaten team in the championship and with a goal difference of +7, it is ahead of the others in the scoring department.

The forward line has been India's biggest trump card in the Champions Trophy. From the moment, they beat China 5-0, the momentum was there to piggy back on.

Twice, India has fought back from deficits ?" against Malaysia they were losing 1-2 and drew the match 2-2. Against Pakistan they were down 0-2 and fought back with two goals.

It is that spirit that India would play on in the final against Pakistan.

"This team has handled pressure like pros. They needed an incentive and now the team has got it by playing a final. Whatever the result, we will throw everything into the match," India's coach Nobbs said.