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India vs Pakistan (Source- Twitter)
India has already qualified for the final of the Asia Cup 2023. They defeated Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 match, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma and Co. defended a low total of 214 runs against the defending champions. In their first Super 4 match they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 228 runs.
Pakistan or Sri Lanka anyone can take the remaining second spot for the final clash. Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka will meet Babar Azam and Co. in its final Super 4 match of the Asia Cup on Thursday. The reigning champions are expected to make the most of their home advantage against the two-time champion.
Scenarios for India vs Pakistan final
Sri Lanka has 1 win in 2 matches and a Run Rate of -0.200. Pakistan is placed third with 1 win in 2 games too. But, their net run rate is quite low at -1.892. For Pakistan to qualify for the final, it is simple they have to win against Sri Lanka, who will be playing their final Super 4 match in home conditions.
In a case where rain washes out play, Pakistan's hope of setting up the first-ever Indo-Pak final in the Asia Cup will be in danger. If Sri Lanka loses to Pakistan, they will be eliminated. India has won the most number of Asia Cup titles in the ODI format. They won the title 6 times. Pakistan, on the other hand, has only won twice in the tournament. Sri Lanka, in comparison, has won the ODI Asia Cup 5 times.
India showed a fantastic display of bowling defending the 214-run total. After the Men in Blue won the toss and elected to bat first. With openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a fiery start in the powerplay. But their batting collapsed against Dunith Wellalage and they were reduced from 80-1 to 91-3. The left-arm spinner picked up his five-wicket haul.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have never played against each other in the final clash of a 50-over Asia Cup tournament. The Men in Blue remain at the top of the Super4 points table as well after two wins in two matches. They have four points from two games.