Here’s how Pakistan can qualify for Asia Cup 2023 final

Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against India in the Super Four match of the 2023 Asia Cup, losing by a massive margin of 228 runs in Colombo on Monday.

Facing a daunting target of 357 runs, Pakistan managed only 128/8 in 32 overs, hampered by injuries to bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, who did not bat. 

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role, claiming five wickets for just 25 runs, securing India’s largest-ever win over Pakistan in One Day International (ODI) cricket.

With this resounding victory, India secured the top spot in the Super 4 standings of the Asia Cup 2023, set to face defending champions Sri Lanka in their next Super 4 game.

Despite a humiliating loss to India, Pakistan still have a chance of making it to the final of the tournament.

Prior to facing India, Pakistan had convincingly defeated Bangladesh in the Super 4 phase. However, Pakistan now have only one match remaining in the Super 4 stage, against Sri Lanka.

As per the current standings on the Super 4 points table, Sri Lanka holds a superior net run rate (+0.420) compared to Pakistan (-1.892).

Asia Cup 2023 ‘Super 4’ points table after #INDvPAK match.#AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/KiwTFLeNas

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For Pakistan to keep their hopes alive in the qualification race for the final, they must secure a victory against Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 fixture. 

Meanwhile, India can solidify their position at the top of the Super 4 standings by winning their remaining two Super games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

However, if Sri Lanka manages to upset India and Pakistan in the Super stage, the reigning champions could secure their spot in the Asia Cup final. 

In such a scenario, Pakistan’s chances would rely on India losing to Bangladesh. To enhance their odds of reaching the final, Pakistan would prefer India to defeat Sri Lanka, eliminating the need for net run rate calculations and allowing for a virtual semi-final against Sri Lanka to determine the finalist.

Lastly, if rain impacts the match between India and Sri Lanka, both will share points, and it would eliminate Bangladesh from contention. This outcome would favor Pakistan despite their low Net Run Rate (NRR). 

If both fixtures of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Sri Lanka are abandoned due to weather, Sri Lanka will advance to the final. India would also qualify unless they suffer a defeat by more than 300 runs against Bangladesh.

In the unlikely scenario where all three upcoming matches are called off, the final match would be between India and Sri Lanka.