Yet the expectations behind including Oman, Hong Kong, and hosts UAE in the tournament have largely gone unmet.

The match in Dubai is the first time that the neighbours will have met in cricket since a brief but deadly border conflict in May and emotions will be running high.

On paper, the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and Oman in Dubai today might seem like a mismatch, but it will offer both sides different points to prove -- Oman looking to mark their first-ever appearance in the continental event with a memorable outing, while Pakistan aim to continue their good run of form before facing archrivals India in their next Group A fixture.