Asia Cup 2023: If Sri Lanka beats India in the Super 4 match, can India qualify for the final?

PC: Hindustan Times

India achieved their biggest win over Pakistan by defeating their arch-rivals by 228 runs in the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Reserve Day on September 11. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul both reached the century-scoring feat, while Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional performance resulted in him taking five wickets, leading Pakistan to defeat in Colombo.

KL Rahul made a triumphant return to the Indian cricket team by showcasing his skills with a brilliant run-a-ball century. Originally not scheduled to play in the Super 4 match against Pakistan, Rahul got the chance due to Shreyas Iyer's unfortunate back spasms. As luck would have it, Rahul made his place at number 4 and along with captain Virat Kohli made an unbeaten partnership of 233 runs for the third wicket. His extraordinary performance took India to a total of 356/2 in 50 overs.

In reply, Pakistan's batting lineup failed to step up as the Indian bowlers achieved consistent successes. In particular, Kuldeep Yadav performed brilliantly, taking five wickets for just 25 runs in just eight overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur also contributed with one wicket each, eventually bowling out Pakistan for just 128 runs in 32 overs. After this impressive win, the Men in Blue moved to the top of the Super 4 table.

India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka currently have two points each on the scoreboard, while Bangladesh is out of the race for the final after losing to Sri Lanka in its important match. Only two of the three teams will advance to the finals, making the competition even tougher.

It is noteworthy that India and Sri Lanka have played only one match each so far, while Pakistan has already competed in two matches.

If India wins against Sri Lanka while Sri Lanka manages to defeat Pakistan, India's chances of qualifying for the finals will remain intact even if bad weather hampers both their remaining matches. In such a scenario, India will finish the stage with 4 points and an impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +4.560. Conversely, if the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is affected by rain, Sri Lanka will still advance to the final on the basis of its NRR.

During the Super 4 stage, if both India and Pakistan win over Sri Lanka, India will secure a spot in the finals even if their remaining matches are canceled due to adverse weather conditions. Even if India loses its remaining matches while Pakistan manages to overcome Sri Lanka, both India and Sri Lanka will find themselves tied on 2 points. However, India's qualification will be guaranteed due to a better NRR.