On Monday, Pakistan faced a crushing 228-run defeat at the hands of India in their second Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match. This big loss not only negatively impacted Pakistan’s net run rate, which now stands at -1.892, but it also complicated their chances of reaching the tournament’s final. Now that India have already sealed the deal with a win over Sri Lanka, SL vs PAK will be the virtual semifinal. The winner will be in final and the loser will go back home.
As of now, Babar Azam & Co have two points from their first two Super Four matches. They secured a win against Bangladesh but suffered a defeat against India in the subsequent game. With just one more match remaining in this Super 4 stage, Pakistan will be facing the defending champions, Sri Lanka, on Thursday, September 14.
Also read: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah likely to miss remainder of Asia Cup 2023: Reports
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have faced defeats in both of their matches and are out of contention for a spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final.
With India beating Sri Lanka by 41 runs, it makes things easy for Pakistan. All they now need is to beat Sri Lanka. India will play against Bangladesh in the last Super Four match on Friday, September 15.
If India beat Bangladesh, they will end up as the top team in Super 4. Pakistan, on the other hand, can claim the other spot in the final if they manage to defeat Sri Lanka. If Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan, they will earn a spot in the final against India.
For Pakistan to enhance their chances of reaching the Asia Cup final, either India or Sri Lanka must lose both of their remaining matches. And, Pakistan must win their Thursday game and secure two points to remain in contention. If this scenario doesn’t occur, then the net run rate will become a crucial factor in determining their fate.
How can Pakistan reach Asia Cup 2023 Final?
- Pakistan need to win their remaining Super Four match against Sri Lanka on September 14.
- India have already sealed their spot in the Asia Cup final.
- India will play their last Super Four match against Bangladesh on September 15.
- To secure the other spot in the final, Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka on Thursday.
- If Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan, they will reach the final.
- If the above scenarios don’t occur, the net run rate will become crucial in determining Pakistan’s fate.
- It will only come into effect if rain washes out SL vs PAK.
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