Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup 2025 final remain alive despite their defeat against India in the Super Four stage. However, their path has become more complicated and may ultimately depend on net run rate (NRR).
In Dubai, Pakistan posted 171–5 but failed to defend the target. India chased it down in just 18.5 overs, winning by six wickets. Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 74 off 39 balls and Shubman Gill’s 47 off 28 guided India to a comfortable victory. The result has boosted India’s NRR while putting Pakistan under pressure.
How Pakistan Can Still Qualify
There are several scenarios in which Pakistan can still make the final of the Asia Cup 2025:
Scenario 1: Three-way tie with one win each
If India win all three of their remaining matches and Pakistan manage to beat Bangladesh but lose to Sri Lanka, India will qualify with three wins. The other three sides will have one win each. In that case, the second finalist will be determined by NRR.
Scenario 2: Three teams with two wins each
If Pakistan beat both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while India defeat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh upset India, then Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh would all finish with two wins each. Once again, NRR will decide which two teams advance to the final.
Scenario 3: Direct qualification with two wins
If both Pakistan and India win all their remaining matches, then both will qualify for the final. India would top the table with three wins, while Pakistan would progress with two. In this case, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka would be eliminated from contention.
Bangladesh Keeps Tournament Wide Open
Bangladesh have added more drama to the group stage by defeating Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super Four clash. Chasing 169, they won by four wickets with just one ball to spare.
Saif Hassan scored 61 runs, Towhid Hridoy contributed 58, while Mustafizur Rahman claimed 3–20 with the ball. Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka fought back with an unbeaten 64 from 37 deliveries, but his efforts were not enough to secure victory.
This result has ensured that the qualification race remains wide open, increasing the stakes of the upcoming matches for all teams involved.
Remaining Fixtures of Asia Cup 2025 Super Four
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September 23: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi)
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September 24: India vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
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September 25: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
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September 26: India vs Sri Lanka (Dubai)
The Road Ahead for Pakistan
For Pakistan, every remaining match is crucial. A victory against both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would give them the best chance to qualify without relying heavily on NRR. However, even one slip-up could complicate their path, especially if other results favor India and Bangladesh.
The Asia Cup 2025 has now entered its most exciting phase, with qualification scenarios still wide open. Pakistan must not only win their upcoming games but also ensure their victories are strong enough to maintain a favorable NRR.
