India’s Dominant Start Puts Them in Command
The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 stage began with a highly anticipated India–Pakistan clash, and it was Suryakumar Yadav’s Indian team that walked away victorious. India defeated Pakistan by six wickets, a result that not only gave them two valuable points but also put them in pole position to reach the final. The win came with a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) boost of +0.689, which could prove vital in case of a tie on points.
For Pakistan, however, the loss was a setback. Led by Salman Agha, they now find themselves bottom of the Super 4 points table with zero points and a worrying NRR of –0.689. Yet, because the format is round-robin rather than knockout, their campaign is not over.
The Super 4s Equation Explained
In this stage, each of the four teams — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — plays each other once. The top two sides based on points and NRR progress to the final. India and Bangladesh have already registered one win each, while Sri Lanka and Pakistan are yet to open their account.
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India: 2 points (1 match, 1 win, NRR +0.689)
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Bangladesh: 2 points (1 match, 1 win, NRR +0.121)
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Sri Lanka: 0 points (1 match, 1 loss, NRR –0.121)
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Pakistan: 0 points (1 match, 1 loss, NRR –0.689)
This table makes it clear that Pakistan’s path is steep but still possible.
Pakistan’s Must-Win Matches Ahead
Pakistan’s next fixture is against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Sri Lanka topped Group B by winning all three of their matches but faltered in their first Super 4 game against Bangladesh. For Pakistan, a victory over the islanders is non-negotiable. A loss would effectively end their campaign.
If Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka, they will then face Bangladesh on Thursday in what could turn into a virtual semi-final. Winning both matches would take Pakistan to four points, a tally that almost certainly secures a spot in the final. However, the margin of their victories will also matter. Since NRR is likely to be decisive, Pakistan must aim not just to win but to win convincingly.
India Not Through Yet
Although India sit comfortably at the top, their ticket to the final is not guaranteed. To confirm qualification, India need at least one more victory from their remaining two matches — against Bangladesh on Wednesday and Sri Lanka on Friday. One win would take them to four points, which should be enough, but two wins would eliminate all doubts and possibly ensure they finish first in the table.
Should India slip in both upcoming games, and if Pakistan or Sri Lanka recover strongly, the qualification picture could change dramatically. Thus, despite their strong start, India cannot afford complacency.
Papa ne Hath(no Handshake) nhi milaya to pakistan ne Uae se khelne se man kr diya. 😂
Pakistan is out from Asia Cup 2025. Pcb Boycott today's match. Uae qualify in super 4 because pakistan didn't want to play today's match.pic.twitter.com/iHdbxJ44od
— Ankur Kashyap (@ankurs000) September 17, 2025
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Still in Contention
Bangladesh, buoyed by their win over Sri Lanka, are very much alive in the race. A win against India would give them a giant leap towards the final. Similarly, Sri Lanka may have stumbled in their Super 4 opener, but victories against Pakistan and India would throw the group wide open. The tight competition ensures that no team can relax, and every game in the coming days carries knockout intensity.
India-Pakistan Final Still a Possibility
Cricket fans worldwide are eyeing the tantalizing prospect of India and Pakistan meeting for the third time in this tournament, with the final on Sunday serving as the ultimate showdown. For that to happen, India need to maintain their winning ways while Pakistan must bounce back with two strong victories.
If both achieve their objectives, the Asia Cup 2025 final will witness another high-voltage clash between the arch-rivals, potentially setting record-breaking viewership numbers.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s stage has already delivered drama, and the upcoming fixtures promise even more twists. While India hold the early advantage, Bangladesh’s momentum, Sri Lanka’s resilience, and Pakistan’s desperate fightback will determine who books a place in the coveted final. For now, the equation is simple: Pakistan must win, India must stay consistent, and cricket fans may yet be treated to another unforgettable India–Pakistan finale.
