Women's Asia Cup: India look to continue domination over Pakistan

The Indian team gave ample game time to its fringe players, making as many as eight changes in the last two games, but against Pakistan -- one of title contenders -- the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is expected to have a full strength team on the field. Pakistan are coming into the contest after suffering a shock four-wicket defeat at the hands of minnows Thailand on Thursday. The two sides currently occupy the top two spot in the points table with India, who have won three games on the trot, leading the table.

While an India-Pakistan tie always generates hype, the recent two matches between the two sides failed to produce a close game with India winning comfortably. India were at their ruthless best as they brushed aside Pakistan at the Commonwealth Games in July. In fact, India have won the last five meetings against the neighbours in the format easily.

After being rested for a game each, the star openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will be expected to provide a strong start. The big-hitting Shafali will be feeling the pressure as she still looks low on confidence. She was able to spend some time in the middle in the match against Malaysia but looked scratchy and far from her best.

The teenager will be eager to shake off the rust and play some dominant knocks with the T20 World Cup fast approaching. On the other hand, Mandhana and skipper Kaur are coming off stellar performances in the white-ball series against England. Jemimah Rodrigues, who returned to the side after a wrist injury, is in imperious touch.