Asia Cup 2022: Here's how India can still qualify for the final despite the loss against Pakistan

The high profile clash between India and Pakistan lived up to its billing and produced a match for the ages as the arch-rivals engaged in a nail-biting thriller in the second game of the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, 4th of September. The Men in Green survived a thrilling finale to overpower their opponents by five wickets on the penultimate delivery of the match. But there is the possibility of a third installment of the blockbuster clash in the ongoing tournament if both sides qualify for the final.

Babar Azam's men vindicated themselves after their defeat to the arch-rivals in their opening fixture of the tournament on the 28th of August with this thrilling victory. One of the favorites to make it to the finals, Pakistan have put forward a big stride towards accomplishing that goal in the Super 4 stage, which follows the Round Robin format. 

But things are not as straightforward for India as their damaging defeat ao Pakistan leaves them needing two wins in the remaining two games against an in-form Sri Lanka and a resurgent Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma's side will have to make sure they win those two games handsomely as the NRR will come into effect if India wins both their games but Sri Lanka defeats Pakistan with all three sides finishing with four points each, eliminating Afghanistan.

India's NRR is not hurting as much right now with a close loss but Sri Lanka have the superior NRR of 0.589. Pakistan have the NRR of 0.126 with India in the negative with similar numbers. If India win both their games and Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, the arch-rivals will face again on September 11. But if Sri Lanka manages to beat the Men in Green, then team India will have to be ready to register big wins.

The Indian bowlers will have to come to the party after a dismal show against Pakistan

India's road to the final is not going to be an easy one, as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are quite capable of defeating anyone on their day and playing a fearless brand of cricket. The defending champions will have to bring their A-game to the fore, especially the bowlers, who have had an indifferent tournament so far.

If the seven-time Asia Cup champions do qualify for the summit clash on the 11th of September along with Pakistan, it will be another riveting contest between the eternal rivals with The Men in Blues eyeing revenge for yesterday's narrow defeat. India will be up against Sri Lanka on Tuesday in a must-win game.