Akash Chopra: Asia Cup Yet to Witness IND-PAK Final Showdown
IND-PAK Final Showdown: Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer and now a prominent broadcaster, has pointed out an intriguing fact about the Asia Cup. Despite India and Pakistan traditionally being strong contenders, they have never faced each other in the tournament’s final. India has secured its place in this year’s final, scheduled for Sunday, September 17. Meanwhile, co-hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan are set to clash in a pivotal semi-final, with the winner earning a spot in the championship match. As the cricketing world anticipates this crucial fixture, Chopra highlights the unique history of the Asia Cup, where India and Pakistan have never crossed paths in the ultimate showdown.
“If we see today’s match, it has become a straight shoot-out. The big thing is that this tournament’s history says that it won’t allow an India-Pakistan final even though you might try your best,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel
PAK
It’s worth noting that Sri Lanka’s last ODI victory against Pakistan dates back to 2015. To secure a chance in the ACC event’s final, they must significantly improve their performance. Additionally, in the event of rain or abandonment, Sri Lanka stands to qualify for the final based on their superior Net Run Rate (NRR).
Chopra emphasized that organizers made every effort to schedule multiple India-Pakistan encounters during the tournament. Notably, the fixture between these arch-rivals is the only one to have a reserved day, unlike the other teams in the Super Four stage.
“Who did you keep in your group – Nepal. You made only two teams to go out from the six and then wanted to play in the Super Four and the final as well. So, it seems like it’s an India-Pakistan tournament. Only India-Pakistan gets a reserve day as well, no one else gets it,” he added.
