Asia Cup 2023: Who will face India in the final, Pakistan or Sri Lanka?

The most successful team in the history of Asia Cup 2023, India, secured the final berth of the tournament. India registered a thumping win against Pakistan in their first Super Four match and defeated Sri Lanka in a low-scoring thriller match by 41 runs to qualify for the finals. Although Rohit Sharma-led team India has to play its third and last match in the Super Four stage against Bangladesh that will take place on Friday.

Qualification scenarios

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have two points each and are placed second and third on the Super Fours table, respectively, with a net run rate of -0.2 and -1.892. Both teams have just one game left and that happens to be against each other on September 14.

Pakistan will be guaranteed a spot in the historic Asia Cup final against India if they manage to beat Sri Lanka. While the defending champions Sri Lanka are expected to make the most of their home advantage against Pakistan at the Premadasa Stadium. India and Pakistan have never faced off against one another in the format of a 50-over Asia Cup competition. While Pakistan has won the prestigious trophy twice, Team India has won the Asia Cup seven times.

What if Sri Lanka vs Pakistan is a washout?

In the event that the virtual semi-final is a washout, India will be joined in the Asia Cup final by the side with the higher net run rate. As of now, Sri Lanka has a lead over Pakistan in terms of net run rate. With four points from two games, India has a commanding lead in the Super Four stage. Sri Lanka, which is tied with Pakistan in terms of points, is in second place behind the ‘men in blue’.

Current standings

India: 2 matches – 4 points, 2.690 net run rate
Sri Lanka: 2 matches – 2 points, -0.200 net run rate
Pakistan: 2 matches – 2 points, -1.892 net run rate
Bangladesh: 2 matches – 0 points, -0.749 net run rate

The final is scheduled to take place on September 17 in Colombo. In case of rain, the final is the only Asia Cup that has a reserve day.