Since Pakistan beat India in a thrilling contest last Sunday. One question that has given Monday blues to all Indian fans is “Can India still reach Asia Cup Final despite a loss to Pakistan?
Well, the answer to the question is yes. Though India has lost their first game in the Super 4, there are chances for India to make it into the finals and face Pakistan which would turn out to be a best of 3 games.
With a win over India, Pakistan has strengthened their chances of qualifying into the final. All they have to do is win one of their remaining two games. But on the other side, India must win both their games. They must beat Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to reach the Asia Cup finals for the 3rd time in a row.
How can India reach Asia Cup Final?
India is set to play Sri Lanka on 6th September at Dubai International Stadium. India must win to keep their hopes alive and give themselves breathing space in the league table. Not only this, India must beat Afghanistan on the 8th of September at the same stadium, Dubai International. If India manages to win both their remaining games then they’re through to the finals of the Asia Cup.
What if India wins only against Sri Lanka?
One of the other possibilities is that India beats Sri Lanka and losses to Afghanistan, possible. Then Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and India should win with a good net run rate. Whereas Sri Lanka must face a heavy defeat. If such scenarios occur, then both India and Pakistan would qualify for the finals.
While most of the people around the globe are backing India and Pakistan to face off what most call a “Final of Trilogy”. One cannot count out the dark horses of this tournament i.e. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. On one side is the group stage dominant Afghanistan who put an end to the Bangladesh campaign and shook up Sri Lanka’s chances to reach super4. Whereas, Sri Lanka after a disastrous opening game against Afghanistan rise from the ashes and is sitting on top of the league table.
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India walking on a dead street
India must act on their toes if they want to save the crown getting away from their head of Asian Champions. There are major concerns that Dravid and Rohit have to look into one being the bowling department. With the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, India was seen on the ground as headless chicken in the middle order. Though Virat Kohli has taken all the spotlight on his head, one cannot deny the void Jadeja’s departure has created. India lacks depth in its pace attack and we cannot demand every day for Bhuvneshwar to perform. What lies between India and the 8th Asia Cup Title is 2 underdog teams with the potential to end India’s hope to reach the final and arch-rival Pakistan who are knocking at the doors of the Asia Cup final.
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