Picture Credit: BCCI
India and Pakistan don’t play bilateral series and hence their fans get to see them locking horns only at either ICC events or at multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup. And as the Asia Cup 2022 is underway, the two teams finally met each other on Sunday as they opened their campaign at the continental tournament. It was a thrilling match which was eventually won by Rohit Sharma-led India.
The fans got what they have been waiting for and there is a possibility that the two teams will face each two more times in the Asia Cup 2022, meaning two more thrilling games of cricket. But how is that possible, let’s break it down for you.
As India and Pakistan are placed in the same group, they played against each other on Sunday. The two teams have one more game left in the group stage which they will play against Hong Kong. Post the group stage, there will be a Super 4 stage. The top two teams from both groups will progress to the second stage and as India and Pakistan have been placed alongside Hong Kong, it’s almost certain that these two will qualify for the Super 4 stage.
In the second stage, all four teams are bound to play each other once which means India and Pakistan will also play against each other for the second time in the tournament. Now, as per the format of this Asia Cup, the top two teams from the Super 4 stage will contest in the Final and the winner will be declared the new champion of Asia.
As India and Pakistan are the two heavyweights in the subcontinent, they are highly likely to acquire the top two positions in the Super 4 stage as well. This means the arch-rivals may meet for the third time in Asia Cup 2022. Hence, there is a high possibility that India and Pakistan will play each other two more times in Asia Cup 2022.
How can India and Pakistan meet each other twice more?
If India and Pakistan qualify for the Super 4 stage (which is almost certain).
If India and Pakistan finish in the top two positions in the Super 4 stage (most likely)