New Delhi: India thrashed Pakistan by six wickets in the Super 4 clash last week to hurt their chances of qualifying for the final of the Asia Cup 2025. India recorded their second straight victory against the Salman Ali Agha-led side, having beaten them in the group stage on September 14. Meanwhile, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka to begin their Super 4 campaign with a victory.
With their respective victories, India and Bangladesh currently occupy the top two spots in the Super Four points table. India are at the top spot with two points and a superior net run rate of +0.689, while Bangladesh are second with two points and a net run rate of +0.121. Both teams are set to lock horns against each other in their next Super 4 clash on Wednesday, September 24.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are both winless in the Super 4 stage of the tournament so far, having lost their respective openers. Pakistan suffered a six-wicket defeat against India, while Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh by 4 wickets. However, both teams are still in contention to secure a spot in the final as the race for the summit clash remains wide open.
How can Pakistan still qualify for Asia Cup 2025 final?
Pakistan have their fate in their own hands, as far as their chances of securing a spot in the final are concerned. Salaman Ali Agha & Co. have two matches remaining in the Super 4 stage, and they need to win both to qualify for the final. Pakistan will play Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in their remaining two matches.
While two wins in their remaining two matches will secure their spot in the final, a loss will confirm their exit from the tournament. Pakistan’s upcoming clash against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 23, is thus a do-or-die clash for both sides. The equation is the same for Sri Lanka, who need to win both their remaining matches against Pakistan and India to stand a chance of making it to the final.
The loser of the Super tie between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Tuesday will crash out of the tournament, while the winner will remain alive in the race for the playoffs.
What India need to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 final?
India inched closer to securing a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final with their comprehensive win over Pakistan in the Super 4 stage. The Men in Blue need to win only one of their remaining two matches to seal a spot in the summit clash. India are undefeated in the tournament so far and will hope to continue their winning run against Bangladesh in their next Super 4 game on Wednesday to secure a spot in the final.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh also need at least one victory in their remaining two matches to book a spot in the final. Bangladesh will play India in their next game, before taking on Pakistan in their final Super 4 encounter. A win in any of the two matches should be enough to secure their spot in the final.