Explained: How can Pakistan still qualify for Asia Cup final and set a potential third meeting with India?

How can Pakistan qualify for final after losing to India in Super Four clash. (Photo: AP)

For the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup, India and Pakistan locked horns on Sunday. And for the second straight time, India came out victorious in what was an intense game. To their credit, Pakistan fought well compared to their first game on September 14.

It wasn't just another India versus Pakistan game, it was the first match of the Super Fours for both teams. In the Super Fours, every game becomes of utmost importance. Having won their first game, India have taken another step towards the final, while Pakistan suffered an early setback. With two more games to play against the fellow Asian giants, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the Men in Green cannot afford any more slip-ups.

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As per the current standings, India and Bangladesh hold the first and second positions respectively, with Sri Lanka at 3 and Pakistan at 4.

Can the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan qualify for the final after losing to India?

Yes, they can. Pakistan next play Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on 23 September and Bangladesh on 25 September in Dubai. Victories in both matches would take them to four points, enough to guarantee a place in the final, regardless of other results.

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What if they lose one?

In that case, Pakistan will have to rely on other results to go their way. Sri Lanka have already lost one match, and a loss against Pakistan will virtually end their chances of qualifying for the final. Bangladesh would need to lose both of their remaining games, one against India and the other against Pakistan, in order for the latter to qualify even if they finish with only two points. In that situation, net run rate would become the deciding factor.

If India win both their remaining matches, it would create a three-way contest for the second final spot between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

India versus Pakistan for a third time in the competition?

Even before the start of the tournament, there were talks of India and Pakistan facing each other three times, including a possible final. That possibility is still very much alive. If Pakistan win both their remaining fixtures, they’ll secure four points, while India would only need to avoid consecutive defeats to book their spot in the final as well.

There’s also a more dramatic scenario: if India lose both their remaining Super Four matches and Pakistan win theirs, then India would be drawn into a three-way tie with the other contenders, setting the stage for a tense battle for the final berth.