India, Pakistan renew rivalry

By Susil Premalal

Arch rivals India and Pakistan would clash in the SAFF Cup Football Tournament second semi-final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh tomorrow (12).

India, the defending champions are aiming for their eighth title. The last time the two teams met five years back, in the 2013 SAFF Championship and on that occasion India emerged as the winner with a solitary goal in the match.

India defeated the Maldives and Sri Lanka by the identical margin of 2-0 in their group stage fixtures.

Pakistan have secured a semi-final slot for the first time since 2005.

Pakistan registered wins against Nepal and Bhutan but lost to hosts Bangladesh by a solitary goal.

Out of the 23 matches the two sides have played, India have won 14, six games were drawn and three were won by Pakistan.

Before this game, Nepal and the Maldives would clash in the first semi-final encounter.