New Delhi: The group stage of Asia Cup 2023 came to its conclusion with valiant efforts from the Afghani side against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, however, managed to fend off the scare and was able to join India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Super 4.
A thriller in Lahore 😯
Sri Lanka sneak home by two runs against a spirited Afghanistan side to book a Super 4 spot in #AsiaCup2023 👊#AFGvSL | 📝: https://t.co/mGlQ6ex6uJ pic.twitter.com/XDPFbc4jvd
— ICC (@ICC) September 5, 2023
Afghanistan, who was given the task to chase down the target of 292 given to them by the Lankans in 37.1 overs to qualify for the Super 4, showed that they should not be considered a small team anymore.
Afghanistan lost the game by a mere margin of two runs as they were bundled out on 289, but before that happened, they only played 37.4 overs in total, giving the Lankans the run for their money.
Now, with the group stage all set and done, the focus will be shifted to the Super 4 round, which will begin on Wednesday, September 6, with Pakistan taking on Bangladesh.
#Matchday 🇵🇰 vs 🇧🇩
The 1st Super 4 clash is here. Bangladesh vs Pakistan.
Hoping for a good start against the Mighty Pak pace attack.#AsiaCup2023 #BanvsPak pic.twitter.com/gaJ0Dj8wsi— Khalid Zaman 🇧🇩 (@khalid_zaman77) September 6, 2023
Pakistan, who is yet to be defeated in this edition of the tournament, will be coming up full of confidence against Bangladesh, who were handed a big loss in their first match against the eventual group toppers Sri Lanka.
Notably, India will start their Super 4 journey again against Pakistan on September 10, before facing Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on 12 and 15 of September.
India matches in super 4
10 September : Ind vs Pak
12 September : Ind vs Afg/SL
15 September : Ind vs Ban#IndvsNep #AsiaCup #Bcci pic.twitter.com/87VL6khMCl— Tanmay (@Tanu031194) September 4, 2023
India will be looking to overcome the horrors of the 2022 Asia Cup in UAE, where they were knocked out of the Super 4 after losing out to Pakistan and the eventual champions Sri Lanka.