The excitement is building as the Asia Cup 2023 unfolds, with cricket fans eagerly awaiting the ultimate showdown. As the current Super 4 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan rages on, it carries immense significance.
The outcome of this clash will decide who earns the coveted spot to face India in the Asia Cup 2023 final. Sri Lanka currently enjoys a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), placing them one step ahead of Pakistan in the standings.
However, if the rain gods decide to intervene and wash away this crucial encounter, both teams will secure a point. In such a scenario, Sri Lanka, with their superior NRR, will clinch the final berth.
The only lifeline for Pakistan lies in their ability to play and win against Sri Lanka, allowing them to script history by setting up a showdown with India in the Asia Cup final.
Now, let’s take a look back at the historical context of the Asia Cup, exploring whether Pakistan and India have ever met in the final of this prestigious tournament. Here is a comprehensive list of Asia Cup finalists from 1984 to 2022:
- 1984: Winner – India, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – UAE
- 1986: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – Pakistan, Hosting Country – Sri Lanka
- 1988: Winner – India, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 1991: Winner – India, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 1995: Winner – India, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – UAE
- 1997: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – India, Hosting Country – Sri Lanka
- 2000: Winner – Pakistan, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 2004: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – India, Hosting Country – Sri Lanka
- 2008: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – India, Hosting Country – Pakistan
- 2010: Winner – India, Runner-up – Sri Lanka, Hosting Country – Sri Lanka
- 2012: Winner – Pakistan, Runner-up – Bangladesh, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 2014: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – Pakistan, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 2016: Winner – India, Runner-up – Bangladesh, Hosting Country – Bangladesh
- 2018: Winner – India, Runner-up – Bangladesh, Hosting Country – UAE
- 2022: Winner – Sri Lanka, Runner-up – Pakistan, Hosting Country – UAE
As we can see, Pakistan and India have indeed met in the final of the Asia Cup, with the most recent encounter occurring in the 2023 Super 4. However, with the Asia Cup 2023 still in progress, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating whether these two cricketing giants will once again collide in the grand finale, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
