Pakistan Secures Super 4 Berth
Pakistan's qualification was sealed after they defeated hosts UAE by 41 runs in Dubai on Wednesday, September 17. The victory came after initial drama when Pakistan's team delayed their arrival at the stadium over the ongoing handshake controversy with match referee Andy Pycroft. The match eventually started more than an hour late after the referee issued apologies to Pakistan's coaching staff and captain.
Pakistan posted 146/9 in their 20 overs, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 50 runs. Their bowling attack, led by Abrar Ahmed who took 2/13, then restricted UAE to just 105 runs in 17.4 overs. This comprehensive win guaranteed Pakistan the second qualification spot from Group A alongside India, who had already secured their place with victories over both Pakistan and UAE.
Super 4 Stage Format and Schedule
The Super 4 stage will commence on September 20 and run through September 26, with matches held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In this format, the four qualified teams will compete in a single group where each team plays the other three once. The top two teams after this round-robin stage will advance to the final on September 28.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan rematch is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, at 8:00 PM IST at Dubai International Cricket Stadium - the same venue where India secured a commanding 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the group stage. This marks the second encounter between the arch-rivals in the tournament, with the possibility of a third meeting in the final if both teams finish in the top two.
Group B Qualification Battle Intensifies
While Group A has been decided, Group B remains wide open with three teams - Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan - competing for the remaining two Super 4 spots. The decisive match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan is scheduled for today, September 18, in Abu Dhabi.
Current Group B Standings:
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Sri Lanka: 4 points (2 wins, 0 losses, NRR +1.546)
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Bangladesh: 4 points (2 wins, 1 loss, NRR -0.270
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Afghanistan: 2 points (1 win, 1 loss, NRR +2.150)
Qualification Scenarios:
If Sri Lanka defeats Afghanistan: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will qualify for the Super 4 stage.
If Afghanistan defeats Sri Lanka: Afghanistan will qualify based on their superior net run rate. The second spot will depend on the margin of victory - Sri Lanka will advance unless they lose by more than 70 runs or Afghanistan chases the target with 50 or more balls to spare, in which case Bangladesh would qualify.
Handshake Controversy Aftermath
The tournament has been overshadowed by diplomatic tensions following the India-Pakistan group stage match. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after their 7-wicket victory, with Yadav later stating the decision was made in solidarity with victims of recent terror attacks and Indian Armed Forces.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged official complaints against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of bias and demanding his removal from matches involving Pakistan. The controversy escalated to the point where Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the tournament, though they ultimately continued after receiving apologies from tournament officials.
Tournament Eliminations
From Group A, both Oman and UAE have been eliminated from the tournament. UAE managed just one victory in three matches, while Oman suffered defeats in their first two games. Hong Kong has already been eliminated from Group B after losing all three of their matches.
The Asia Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-stakes cricket drama both on and off the field, with the Super 4 stage promising even more intense competition as eight teams have been whittled down to the final four contenders for the continental crown.
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