In a remarkable comeback, KL Rahul and the record-setting Virat Kohli both scored centuries, dealing Pakistan a significant defeat on Monday. Kohli's century, alongside Rahul's, forged a historic partnership that enabled Rohit Sharma's Team India to amass an imposing total against Pakistan during the Super 4 phase of the Asia Cup 2023 at Colombo's renowned R Premadasa Stadium.
In a rain-interrupted match, Kohli and Rahul's unbeaten centuries led India to a resounding 228-run victory over Babar Azam's squad.
Facing a daunting target of 357 runs, Pakistan, due to injuries to bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, managed only 128/8 in 32 overs, with both bowlers unable to bat. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role with figures of 5/25, securing India's most significant victory over Pakistan in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Following this spectacular win over Pakistan, Team India has climbed to the top spot in the Super 4 standings of the Asia Cup 2023.
India is currently facing Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 match. Pakistan, on the other hand, had previously outperformed Bangladesh before their encounter with India in the Super 4 phase of the tournament. With only one Super 4 match remaining, Pakistan will square off against Sri Lanka in their final fixture.
Pakistan currently trails Sri Lanka in the Super 4 standings, while Bangladesh's chances of securing one of the two final spots appear slim.
As it stands on the Super 4 points table, Sri Lanka (+0.420) maintains a superior net run rate compared to Pakistan (-1.892). To stay in contention for a spot in the final, Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 match. If India wins their remaining two Super games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Rohit's squad will claim the top spot in the Super 4 standings, securing their place in the final.
If Sri Lanka manages to outperform India and Pakistan in the Super stage, the defending champions could secure their spot in the Asia Cup final. In this scenario, Babar and his team would have a slim chance of advancing if India suffers a defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. Pakistan's chances of reaching the final greatly improve if India prevails against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. In that scenario, net run rate won't be a determining factor, and they can engage in a virtual semi-final with Sri Lanka to decide the finalist.
Asia Cup schedule of remaining matches
Sept 12 - Sri Lanka vs India in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 14 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 15 - Bangladesh vs India Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
Sept 17 - Final in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
The top two teams from the Super Four stage will make it to the much-awaited final.