India has assured their position in the finale of this year’s Asia Cup, yet the rival that will compete against Rohit Sharma’s team in the championship game remains in uncertainty.
This year at the tournament, India has maintained an undefeated streak, boasting a remarkable 41-run triumph over the spirited Sri Lankan team on Tuesday. The anticipation builds up, as India gears up for the unique final showdown in Colombo on September 17.
The remaining matches in the Super Four phase of the event, involving four teams, will determine who will advance to the final showdown.
India Points: 4 Net run rate: 2.690 Outstanding Matches: Bangladesh (September 15)
India, the champions of the Asia Cup seven times, are now gearing up for their eighth win in Sri Lanka this year, and given their current performance, this is a very plausible possibility.
Tournament leading run-scorer, captain Rohit Sharma (194 runs), combined with the consistently absolute spin wizard Kuldeep Yadav, tied for the highest wicket-taker with nine wickets, are contributing significantly to the team’s success.
India aims to keep their undefeated run intact as they confront Bangladesh in their final Super Four match on September 15, keeping an eye on the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan to ascertain their final opponent.
Sri Lanka Points: 2 Net run rate: – 0.200 Outstanding matches: Pakistan (September 14)
Sri Lanka’s campaign this year hasn’t gone as planned, but the current Asia Cup champions seem adequately poised to retain their title, provided they regain their winning momentum.
Having a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan, Sri Lanka is in a good position to proceed to this year’s final. A non-defeat in their upcoming Super Four match against Babar Azam’s side on September 14 will pave their way to the final.
Victory will lead Sri Lanka straight into qualifiers, while the tie or no-result scenario will still favor them due to the absence of a reserve day for the last two Super Four matches.
Pakistan Points: 2 Net run rate: – 1.892 Outstanding Matches: Sri Lanka (September 14)
For Pakistan, the task ahead is straightforward. A win against Sri Lanka in Colombo on September 14 places them in the finals facing India. But any other outcome in that respective match will see them fall short.
However, the road to victory won’t be effortless for these two-time Asia Cup winners, yearning for their first title since 2012, especially with recent injuries to their central fast bowlers.
Key bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf experienced discomfort during their 228-run defeat against India, prompting a swift response from selectors who called up fellow bowlers Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan for the remainder of the tournament.
Bangladesh Points: 0 Net run rate: – 0.749 Outstanding Matches: India (September 15)
Unfortunately, following Sri Lanka’s Tuesday defeat to India, Bangladesh’s chances of reaching this year’s Asia Cup final have been effectively quashed. However, Shakib Al Hasan’s team still has an imperative match in their tournament journey.
Bangladesh counts a single victory at the event so far and is eager to bounce back to their winning form in their final match, enhancing their self-belief before they embark on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup journey in India next month.
