CAN BANGLADESH STILL QUALIFY FOR ASIA CUP FINALS? 

In the last face off between Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh on September 9, the Bangla tigers got defeated by 21 runs in the Super Four match. After they lost the match to Sri Lanka, their chances of qualifying for the finals seemed bleak. 

In Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match held on Saturday, Sri Lanka gave a run chase of 257 runs which Bangladesh couldn’t raise by getting all out at 236 runs. 

This was a momentous win for the Lankans, which got them at the top of the table with 4 points. 

Talking about the teams which have a strong chance of qualifying in the finals, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka stand at the top of their respective Groups. Pakistan is the top emerging team in Group A and Sri Lanka in Group B with 3 and 4 points respectively. 

However, Bangladesh which stands at just 2 points, their chances of making it to the Asia Cup finals seems uncertain but definitely, not impossible. Here’s how they can still be in the game. 

Requisite 1: Today’s match 

If Sri Lanka secures victory against India in today’s match, there is a chance that they can rise upto one more point. This needs India to lose today so that Bangladesh’s chance of acquiring on the needed spot can be precise.This also means that today is the day when Bangladesh will be deciding its fate in the Asia Cup finals making it the most important match for the Tigers. 

Requisite 2: Sri Lanka’s win against Pakistan

On Thursday, Sri Lanka will be facing Pakistan which will surely need them to win that match. If Sri Lanka wins against both India and Pakistan, they can steadily soar their place into the finals. 

Also, now that Pakistan’s fast bowlers Rauf and Shah will not be playing against them on Thursday due to their injuries, Sri Lanka can think of ruling the match to a certain extent which will also be an instrumental win for Bangladesh. 

Requisite 3: Final and the last requirement

Lastly, the third scenario would require Bangladesh to win against India in their upcoming match on Friday i.e 15th September. Should they conquer over India, Bangladesh can definitely secure their position at the top leading them into the finals. 

Though, all these three scenarios are certainly difficult to achieve, but definitely not unfeasible. All eyes are now on today’s match between Sri Lanka and India to see what it holds for Bangladesh.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram