Former Asia Cup champions Pakistan still have a shot at making it to the final despite India’s dominant victory over Babar Azam’s team. In a remarkable display, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli both scored centuries, contributing to one of Pakistan’s most significant losses. Kohli and Rahul’s unbeaten centuries led India to a massive 228-run win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 phase at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Pakistan, chasing a daunting 357-run target, managed only 128/8 in 32 overs due to injuries to bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 5/25, securing India’s largest-ever victory over Pakistan in ODI cricket history. With this win, Team India now leads the Super 4 standings in the Asia Cup 2023.
India is set to face defending champions Sri Lanka in their next Super 4 game, while Pakistan has one match left against Sri Lanka. Currently, Pakistan’s net run rate is lower than Sri Lanka’s, making the upcoming match critical for their qualification hopes. If India wins their remaining two Super games and Sri Lanka doesn’t upset them, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the final improve significantly.
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023
Sri Lanka have won all their games in the Asia Cup so far. India started their 2023 Asia Cup Super Four campaign in style with a stunning victory over Pakistan in a rain-hit clash at the R Premedasa Stadium in Colombo by a massive margin of 228 runs to seal their biggest victory in ODI history over their arch-rivals.
This means both India and Pakistan have two points on the board, alongside Sri Lanka, who have all played one match so far in the Super Four Stage. However, Pakistan has played two matches, while India and Sri Lanka will play each other in their second game on Tuesday (September 12). Bangladesh are on zero points, having lost to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and cannot qualify.
However, if Sri Lanka outperforms both India and Pakistan in the Super stage, Pakistan can secure their spot in the final by hoping for an Indian loss to Bangladesh. In that scenario, Pakistan would have a better chance of making the final without relying on net run rate calculations, potentially setting up a virtual quarter-final with Sri Lanka to determine the finalist.
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