The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 is just three games away from the final. Three matches are left to be played in the Super Four stage, and the final will take place on September 17 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The upcoming game between India and Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to take place on September 12 (Tuesday), is a very important match for this tournament because it will decide which team will qualify for the final.
The game between India and Pakistan has certainly turned the tables in the Asia Cup 2023, and now three teams are fighting for a place in the final. India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan have won one game each, while Bangladesh has lost both matches. India is at the top of the table with two points and a NRR of +4.560, followed by Sri Lanka and Pakistan with two points each. But Sri Lanka has a NRR of +0.420, while after a big defeat, Pakistan’s NRR has come down to -1.892.
Asia Cup 2023: India can still get eliminated from the race for the final
There is no doubt that the 228-run win over Pakistan has given a huge boost to Team India. They are now at the top of the table with a healthy NRR. But can India still get disqualified? If we look at some possible scenarios, then mathematically, it is still possible. Despite having a NRR of +4.560, India can get out of the race for the final. But how? Well, Sri Lanka and Pakistan also have two points each.
Adding to that, the weather in Colombo is not ideal for the entire week. In that case, if the game between India and Sri Lanka gets shortended and India loses the game, Sri Lanka will end up taking two points and India will remain at two. Then the next game is on September 14 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In that match, if Pakistan can beat Sri Lanka, they will also go up four points.
In that case, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will have four points each, and India will have two games. The last match of the Super Four will take place on Friday between India and Bangladesh in Colombo. Well, we will not say that Bangladesh is the favorite to win that game. But if somehow they can upset India, then Sri Lanka and Pakistan will qualify for the finals.
The weather suggests, it rains for the entire week. And if the IND-BAN game gets washed out, both teams will share one point each. That means India will end up with three points, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who have four points each, will qualify for the finals. Cricket is a funny game, and despite a big advantage, India can’t take it lightly because there are chances and the weather can kick them out.