After suffering a humiliating loss at the hands of team India, Pakistan is struggling to qualify for the Asia Cup finals. The men in Green were favorites for the championship. However, the washed-out games, thanks to Jay Shah’s incompetence, have slimmed their chances for the finale. But is that completely true?
Read: Asia Cup 2023 Points Table
From the points table, Pakistan stands lower than India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan had a pretty good chance on the table. But the 228-run defeat against the Blue Caps has worsened their NRR.
However, they can still qualify for the finals. How? It may need our neighbor’s help for that.
How can India help Pakistan win?
If India defeats Sri Lanka and Pakistan wins their match against the Lankans, things will go in their favor on the points table.
But we can just win our match against the Lankans to qualify for the final, right?
It could have been true if the forecast was in our favor. There are chances of heavy downpours during the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match. If that match is washed out, it will all come down to India winning against Sri Lanka today.
Read: Asia Cup 2023 Schedule PDF
Bangladesh can better Pakistan’s chances by winning against Bharat. But that is a long shot, and it seems impossible to happen. But the impossible has always happened when it comes to Pakistan. The green shirts have been unpredictable, and fate has always worked in their favor.
But India has a track record of losing matches where Pakistan would have a disadvantageous situation. Do they do it intentionally? We can make a strong case for it. But the priority should be winning yourself rather than hoping for a helping hand from your arch-rivals.
Let’s see what happens between the India vs Sri Lanka match today. Whatever happens, it is going to be a wild ride.
India vs Sri Lanka prediction
The India vs Sri Lanka game depends on different factors.
Pitch conditions
Expect hot and humid weather with evening rain on the way. But, as we’ve seen lately, predicting the weather isn’t always accurate. We’re unsure if they’ll use a new playing field for the match. Regardless, the pitch will be covered until around noon, so fast bowlers can use any moisture before it gets too tough for them under the evening lights.
Head-to-head record
The head-to-head record is in India’s favor. We must also recall the humiliating 317-run loss Sri Lanka faced earlier this year. Things are looking good for Bharat players. In the previous 5 encounters, India has won 4 times. The last time Sri Lanka won an ODI match against India was in 2021.
Conclusion
Whatever happens, if India wins today, which will most likely be the case, Pakistan will enjoy that. Although this is not how Pakistan wants to do it, they will take anything to survive. This is the Pakistan way. More than anyone, the broadcasters will want another India vs Pakistan clash to milk the tournament.