In the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four match, Pakistan was defeated by India, losing by a huge margin of 228 runs on Monday in Colombo.
In light of having a difficult target of 357 runs, Pakistan only scored 128/8 in 32 overs due to the injuries suffered by bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, who did not bat.
India’s largest-ever victory over Pakistan in ODI cricket was made achievable by Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed five wickets for just 25 runs.
With their convincing victory, India clinched the top spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 standings and will now play the reigning champions Sri Lanka in their next Super 4 match.
Despite suffering a shocking defeat to India, Pakistan still has a chance of making it to the tournament’s final.
In the Super 4 phase, Pakistan had easily overcome Bangladesh before facing India. However, Pakistan only has one game left in the Super 4 round, which is against Sri Lanka.
According to the Super 4 points table’s current standings, Sri Lanka has a higher net run rate (+0.420) than Pakistan (-1.892).
Pakistan needs to defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 match to improve their chances of making it to the final.
India can maintain their lead in the Super 4 standings by defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their final two Super matches.
However, the defending champions can guarantee their place in the Asia Cup final if Sri Lanka succeeds in surprising India and Pakistan in the Super round.
Pakistan’s chances would rest on Bangladesh beating India in such a situation. Pakistan would desire India to triumph against Sri Lanka to increase their chances of making it to the final. This would do away with the necessity for net run rate calculations and allow for a virtual semi-final versus Sri Lanka to select the winner.
Lastly, if rain interferes with the match between India and Sri Lanka, both teams will earn points, and Bangladesh will no longer be in the running. Pakistan could gain from this outcome despite having a low Net Run Rate (NRR).
If the weather causes the postponement of both of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s matches, Sri Lanka will instead play in the championship match. Unless they lose to Bangladesh by more over 300 runs, India would also be eligible.
In the improbable event that all three of the future matches are postponed, India and Sri Lanka would play in the final match.
