Asia Cup 2023 Final, Qualification Scenarios: Here’s how Sri Lanka or Pakistan can secure a spot for the summit clash against India

Team India secured their place in the Asia Cup 2023 final with a hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 13, at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the process, Men in Blue ended Sri Lanka’s remarkable 13-match winning streak in ODIs.

The 41-run win also marked the conclusion of Bangladesh‘s campaign in the tournament, as they had previously lost to both co-hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India have maintained a perfect record in the competition, with two wins and an impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.690, accumulating four points in the Super Four stage. Their upcoming fixture against Bangladesh on September 14 is essentially a formality, as Bangladesh have already been eliminated. The second finalist will be determined from the clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on September 15.

Super Four Points Table

Looking at the Super Four points table, India leads the pack with an impressive NRR of +2690, having played two games and accumulated four points. Sri Lanka closely trails behind, also with two points, they’ve played two matches and have an NRR of -0.200. Pakistan, after two games, holds two points, but they’re hampered by a negative NRR of -1.892. On the other hand, Bangladesh finds itself at the bottom, having played two fixtures and unfortunately not secured any points. Their NRR stands at -0.749.

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Qualification scenario for the summit clash against India

With their final spot secured, the question now arises: Who will join India in the summit clash of the Asia Cup 2023? The qualification scenario for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan hinges on their upcoming Super Four match scheduled for Thursday.

Qualification Scenario for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the defending champions, currently occupy the second position in the Super Four points table with two points from two games. They have experienced one loss and secured one win, maintaining a net run rate (NRR) of -0.200. In their upcoming Super Four match on Thursday, they will face Pakistan. Notably, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka-led side have a straightforward path to qualification for the multi-nation event final. They will secure a spot in the summit clash even if the fixture is abandoned or ends in a tie. All they need to do is avoid defeat against Pakistan.

Qualification Scenario for Pakistan

Pakistan, a two-time champion, currently occupies the third position in the Super Four points table with two points from two matches and a net run rate (NRR) of -1.892. Their path to the final is quite straightforward: they need to defeat Sri Lanka to secure a spot in the final of the coveted trophy. However, if the game ends in a tie or there is no result, Pakistan will be eliminated from the tournament.

The last time Pakistan won the tournament was in 2012, and they will be keen on the fitness of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah for the virtual knockout against Sri Lanka. Both pace bowlers sustained injuries during the contest against India, preventing them from even coming out to bat. While Pakistan have called up replacements for them, they will be hopeful of having both Haris and Naseem available.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan bring in back-up pacers for injured duo of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf