Curated By: Aakash Biswas
Last Updated: September 13, 2023, 10:07 IST
Asia Cup 2023 Qualification Scenario For India vs Pakistan Final (ACC Photo)
Read the full explanation on Asia Cup 2023 final scenarios, specifically exploring how Pakistan can qualify for the final, and the possibility of an electrifying IND vs PAK showdown.
Team India cruised into the Asia Cup 2023 final with a nervy yet convincing win over Sri Lanka in their second Super Four tie on Tuesday in Colombo. A day after thrashing Pakistan by 228 runs, Rohit Sharma & Co had to toil hard to get the better of the defending champions. India fought back after being bundled out for 213 defeating Sri Lanka by 41 runs to break their 13-match winning streak.
With India confirming a berth in the finals, all eyes will be on the next Super Four tie in the ongoing continental event – between Pakistan and Sri Lanka – on Thursday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Asia Cup 2023 Full Schedule | Asia Cup 2023 Complete Results | Asia Cup 2023 Full Coverage
Chances of first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final
The cricket fans could witness the arch-rivals locking horns in the final, something that has never happened before. But it’s in the hands of Pakistan who they go ahead with the game. The injuries of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf are indeed concerning but the men in green will look to put the best foot forward in the all-important clash against the defending champions.
Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have won a game each before getting beaten by India. The winner of Thursday’s clash will cruise into the final. Bangladesh are already out of the reckoning after losing two Super 4 games.
Asia Cup 2023: Super Four Standings
After registering remarkable wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, India are comfortably placed on the top of the points table with 4 points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.690. They are left with one more game, against Bangladesh on Friday, and another victory will allow them to finish the Super Four on the top of the points table.
Despite losing their second game against India, Sri Lanka hold the second spot with 2 points. However, their NRR has dipped to –0.2.
With the worst NRR of -1.892, Pakistan are placed third on the points table with 2 points.
Bangladesh are reeling in the fourth spot with 2 losses and 0 points. Their NRR is -0.749.
What if the PAK vs SL Super Four Game gets washed out?
If rain washes out the Pakistan vs Sri Lana game on Thursday, a point each will be divided between both teams. In that case, the team with a better NRR will advance to the finals. As per the current standing, a washout will knock out Pakistan.
ALSO READ | Kuldeep Yadav Quickest Indian Spinner to 150 Wickets in ODIs, India Break Sri Lanka’s Winning Streak
Most Titles
India have won the most number of Asia Cup titles in the ODI format, having lifted the title 6 times over the years. Sri Lanka have won the ODI Asia Cup 5 times while Pakistan tasted success only twice.
