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If you are also a Pakistan Cricket fan and the humiliating defeat against India has made you question “How can Pakistan qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final?”, then you are at the right place to find out. Keep reading this article till the end to find out Pakistan’s chances to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final.
In a stunning turn of events, KL Rahul and the record-breaking Virat Kohli both notched up centuries, handing Pakistan a crushing defeat on Monday. Kohli’s sensational century, combined with Rahul’s stellar performance, created a historic partnership that propelled Rohit Sharma’s Team India to a formidable total against Pakistan during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 at Colombo’s prestigious R Premadasa Stadium.
In a match interrupted by rain, Kohli and Rahul’s unbeaten centuries powered India to a resounding 228-run victory over Babar Azam’s squad.
Chasing a daunting target of 357 runs, Pakistan found themselves in a tough spot, exacerbated by injuries to key bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, who were unable to bat. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role with outstanding figures of 5/25, securing India’s most significant victory over Pakistan in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Following this spectacular win over Pakistan, Team India has surged to the top of the Super 4 standings in the Asia Cup 2023. India is currently in a showdown with Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 match. Meanwhile, Pakistan had previously outperformed Bangladesh before clashing with India in the Super 4 phase of the tournament. With just one Super 4 match remaining, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their final fixture.
Qualification scenario: How can Pakistan qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final?
Pakistan currently trails Sri Lanka in the Super 4 standings, while Bangladesh’s hopes of securing one of the two final spots appear slim.
As it stands on the Super 4 points table, Sri Lanka (+0.420) maintains a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan (-1.892). To stay in contention for a spot in the final, Pakistan must triumph over Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 match. If India secures victories in their remaining two Super games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Rohit’s squad will secure the top spot in the Super 4 standings, booking their place in the final.
Should Sri Lanka manage to outperform India and Pakistan in the Super stage, the defending champions could secure a place in the Asia Cup final. In such a scenario, Babar and his team would have a slim chance of advancing if India suffer a defeat at the hands of Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final significantly improve if India prevails against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. In this scenario, the net run rate won’t be a determining factor, and they can engage in a virtual quarter-final with Sri Lanka to decide the finalist.
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Former Pakistani cricketer Khalid Latif sentenced for 12 years
