The excitement is at its peak in the Asia Cup 2025, and Pakistan’s path to the final is still open, but it’s not easy.
India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Super 4 match on Sunday, but Pakistan’s hopes remain alive due to the round-robin format.
Salman Agha’s team now needs to win its remaining two matches to face India in the final for the third time.
What is Pakistan’s path?
Pakistan’s next match is against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. This match is a do-or-die one for Pakistan. If they win, Sri Lanka will be eliminated from the tournament with two losses.
After this, Pakistan faces Bangladesh on Thursday, which will be a semi-final match.
According to TOI, Pakistan needs to win their next two matches, first against Sri Lanka on Tuesday and then against Bangladesh on Thursday.
If Pakistan wins both matches, they can secure a place in the final with 4 points.
Currently, India and Bangladesh are at the top of the Super 4 table with 2 points each, with India having a better net run rate (+0.689).
Pakistan and Sri Lanka currently have zero points, but both have a chance left.
India’s explosive performance and Pakistan’s challenges
India dominated against Pakistan, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 74 runs in 39 balls and forming a brilliant partnership with Shubman Gill.
Sahibzada Farhan’s 58 was a good sign for Pakistan, but the bowling of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf could not stop India.
After the match, Salman Ali Agha said, “Conditions didn’t allow us to score 200 runs.”
The match against Sri Lanka is a big test for Pakistan. If they win, their match against Bangladesh will be decisive for their place in the final.
On the other hand, India’s matches against Bangladesh on Wednesday and Sri Lanka on Friday could also turn the tables.
If Pakistan wins both of its matches, fans could see India-Pakistan matches for three consecutive weeks, which would be historic for cricket.
Pakistan will have to put in their best efforts in both of their matches. Now it remains to be seen whether they can overcome this challenge and face India in the final for the third time.
