Asia Cup 2022: Is Sri Lanka confirmed in final?
Teams competing in the tournament currently grapple with an 'if and but' situation
Despite two wins from two games, Sri Lanka is not guaranteed a place in the Asia Cup 2022's final.
Imagine, if Afghanistan beats Pakistan and India and Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, then it will have three teams tied with four points apiece and two teams with better Net Run Rate (NRR) will play the final.
Sri Lanka currently has NRR of 0.351 and Pakistan has NRR of 0.126, while Afghanistan's NRR is -0.125 and if they want to be in contention then they will have to work really hard, beating India and Pakistan by greater margins to improve their NRR.
Considering the scenario, Wednesday's match between Pakistan and Afghanistan is important as far as the tournament's future is concern.
The 'if and but' situation will persist if Afghanistan wins. However, if Pakistan — as everyone expects — wins the game then all ifs and buts will be buried with confirmation of the final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
-
Venezuela makes history, defeats Team USA 3-2 to win World Baseball Classic title -
Sharks vs Oilers: Edmonton adjust lineup as Draisaitl ruled out for regular season -
Cole Caufield shines with 40th goal as Canadiens edge Bruins in overtime comeback win -
Brendan Gallagher honoured in 900th NHL game as Canadiens fans give standing ovation in Montreal -
Lane Hutson’s brother Cole Hutson set for possible NHL debut after joining Capitals -
Venezuela books place in WBC final after dramatic comeback victory over Italy in semifinal -
Flames vs Red Wings sees Patrick Kane score twice as Detroit beats Calgary 5-2 -
Ducks vs Canadiens injury update: Kirby Dach leaves ice following heavy hit