Possibilities of First-ever IND vs PAK Asia Cup Final: Here’s How Pakistan Can Qualify
In their second Super Four match on Tuesday in Colombo, Team India defeated Sri Lanka with a nervous but comfortable victory that sent them into the Asia Cup 2023 final. After crushing Pakistan by 228 runs the day before, Rohit Sharma and company had to work very hard to defeat the reigning champions.
After being bowled out for 213 runs, India rallied to upset Sri Lanka by 41 runs, ending their 13-game winning streak.
With India securing a spot in the championship match, all eyes will be on Thursday's Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which is part of the ongoing regional tournament.
Chances of the first-ever Asia Cup final between Pakistan and India
It was a first for cricket fans to see the bitter rivals square off in the championship match. However, Pakistan is the one who decides how to proceed with the game. Though Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf's ailments are worrisome, the green team will try to do their best in the crucial match against the reigning champs.
Before being defeated by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka each won a match. In Thursday's match, the victor will easily advance to the championship. Bangladesh has already lost two Super 4 games and is no longer a serious contender.
Asia Cup 2023: Standings of the Super Four
India is comfortably atop the points table with 4 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.690 after posting impressive victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With a win in their final match, which is against Bangladesh on Friday, they will be able to wrap up the Super Four atop the standings.
Sri Lanka is in second place with two points, despite losing their second match against India. Their NRR has dropped to -0.2, though.
Pakistan, with two points, is ranked third on the points table with the worst NRR of -1.892. Bangladesh, with two losses and zero points, is slipping into fourth place. They have a -0.749 NRR.
What if the PAK vs SL Super Four Game gets washed out?
In the event that Thursday's Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match is cancelled due to rain, each side will receive one point. The team with the higher NRR will then move on to the championship game. Pakistan will be eliminated by a washout, according to the current standings.
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Having won the Asia Cup six times over the years in the ODI format, India has won the most trophies in the competition. Pakistan has only won twice in the ODI Asia Cup, compared to Sri Lanka's five victories.