India confirms spot in Final of Asia Cup 2025
India became the first team to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025final after their recent 41-run victory over Bangladesh. With two wins in two matches, the Men in Blue sit comfortably at the top of the Super Four table with four points. Even if they lose their final fixture against Sri Lanka, India cannot be displaced from the top two. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team has been dominant in both batting and bowling departments, sealing their place in the September 28 final. Their clash against Sri Lanka will now serve as a dress rehearsal for the all-important final in Dubai.
Pakistan eyes final berth
Pakistan’s path to the final is straightforward, as they require a win against Bangladesh, and they will be through. Having defeated Sri Lanka but losing to India, Salman Agha’s men sit on two points and hold a better net run rate than Bangladesh. A victory in their final Super Four fixture will push them to four points, securing second place behind India. However, a loss against Bangladesh would end their campaign. For Pakistan, this is a virtual semi-final, with the prize being another clash against India in the title decider.
Bangladesh faces Pakistan in less than 24 hours
Bangladesh’s recent defeat to India has left them with no room for error. While they remain on two points from two games, their negative net run rate of 0.969 makes the challenge even harder. The Litton Das-led team will face Pakistan in less than 24 hours after the India clash, giving them no rest day before a virtual knockout. To qualify, Bangladesh must defeat Pakistan outright, as a loss would knock them out. Still, Bangladesh will be looking to fight back and have a rare shot at making the Asia Cup final.
Sri Lanka to play for pride
Sri Lanka’s campaign is over after back-to-back defeats to Bangladesh and Pakistan, respectively. With zero points from two games, even a win against Men in Blue in their final Super Four fixture on Friday will not change their fortunes. The 2022 edition champions struggled to find balance, with both their batting and bowling departments failing under pressure. Their exit was confirmed after India’s win against Bangladesh, making the India vs Sri Lanka game a dead rubber. The island nation will now look to end its campaign on a high note.
Asia Cup 2025 Remaining Fixtures
- Pakistan vs Bangladesh on September 25 at Dubai
- India vs Sri Lanka on September 26 at Dubai
- Final – India vs TBC on September 28 at Dubai
India
