The group stages of the Asia Cup 2023 have been completed and we have got our four teams for the Super 4 stages. From Group A, India, and Pakistan have qualified for the Super 4s. While Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been qualified for the super 4s from Group B. We have seen some quality cricket till now in this tournament. And now we will see some more action in the Super 4s. But before that, let’s reflect on some teams playing in this tournament and what is the situation currently. So let’s begin.
India and Pakistan through to the Super 4s
The two Asian giants, India and Pakistan have been through to the Super 4 stage from Group A.
Pakistan started off really well in the Asia Cup 2023. They crushed Nepal after bowled them out for just 104 runs in a run chase of 343.
Pakistani pacers showed their class against the arch-rivals India as well. They restricted India to 266 in the first inning before rain washed out the 2nd inning. The match ended with no result.
As we are writing this article, the first game of the Super 4s is about to start between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Lahore. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first.
India vs Pakistan – 2nd round
India vs. Pakistan: The two teams will again meet in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s on September 10 in Colombo. If the rain stays away, we will see some good cricket between the two teams.
India also advanced to the Super 4s
India’s game against Pakistan ended with no result. But they beat Nepal in a must-win game by 10 wickets in a rain-affected match.
Nepal managed to score 230 in the first inning. After the rain interruption, India got a revised target of 145 in 23 overs. They easily chased down the target in 20.1 overs with all the wickets in hand.
Nepal’s learning from the Asia Cup 2023
This is a very big moment for Nepal as a cricketing nation. This tournament is not about them losing both games. But they showed some fight in both the games.
Nepal got 4 early wickets in the Pakistan game before Babar and Iftikhar came in to rescue Pakistan. Against India, Nepal’s opener added 65 runs for the first wicket. And some lower-order runs help them to get to a respectable total of 230. While bowling, they bowled well in patches.
So Nepal will see lots of positives and learnings from this Asia Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka survived Afghanistan’s scare
Sri Lanka started off really well in the Asia Cup 2023. They won their first game against Bangladesh by 5 wickets. After getting Bangladesh bowled out for 164, they got over the line on a tricky wicket. Sadeera and Asalanka’s fifties make sure Bangladesh will get over the line easily in the end.
Afghanistan was too close to get Sri Lanka out of the tournament
Sri Lanka scored 291 in the first inning with the help of Mendis’ 92. If Afghanistan had to qualify for the Super 4s, they need to win this game. Not just a win, they need to chase the target down before 37.1 overs.
Afghanistan lost a few early wickets. However, the batting efforts from Rahmat Shah, H Shahidi, and M Nabi helped the team to get close to the target.
The cameos from Karim Janat, N Zadran, and Rashid Khan keep the hope alive for Afghanistan. But they fell short in the end. Sri Lanka won the game by 2 wickets.
Bangladesh won 1, lost 1
As we told you earlier, they lost their first game against Sri Lanka. But they beat Afghanistan to qualify for the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2023. Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s make-shift opening came out well for Bangladesh.
Right now, they are batting first in the first game of the Super 4s against Pakistan.
Afghanistan robbed with a lack of knowledge
Afghanistan lost their first game against Bangladesh by 89 runs. After that, they need a big win against Sri Lanka to go past their net run rate. They came closer in a run chase of 291 in 37.1 overs. But fell just short.
In that game, a strange thing happened. Afghanistan still had a chance to qualify if they finished their score on 295 or 297 before 38.1 overs. But they were unaware of this situation. It was a heartbreak moment for the Afghanistan team as they lost a great opportunity to go to the Super 4s.
Highest run scorer in the Asia Cup 2023 so far
Najmul Hossain Shanto becomes the highest run scorer with 193 runs in 2 innings. Unfortunately, he is ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 due to injury.
Highest wicket-taker
Shaheen Shah Afridi, with 6 wickets is the highest wicket-taker till now in the tournament.
Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 schedule
6 September: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, 2:30pm local
9 September: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
10 September : Pakistan vs India, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
12 September : India vs Sri Lanka, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
14 September : Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
15 September : India vs Bangladesh, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
Asia Cup 2023 Final:
17 September: TBC v TBC, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3pm local
Conclusion
So these are some of the highlighting points till now in the Asia Cup 2023. The Super 4s and the final are still left in the tournament. What are your predictions for that?
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