Can India and Pakistan meet in Asia Cup final?:Men in Green must win back-to-back games to set up first IND-PAK final in 41 years

India began their Super Fours campaign with a commanding six-wicket win over Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 21). The victory, coming exactly a week after their group-stage triumph over the same opponents, put Suryakumar Yadav’s side in a strong position to reach the Asia Cup final. With no bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, fans usually pin their hopes on continental and global tournaments for a showdown. While the possibility of another India–Pakistan final still exists, the road is straightforward for India but far trickier for their rivals. It is also worth highlighting that India and Pakistan have never met in an Asia Cup final in the 41-year history of the tournament, making the prospect all the more exciting. India’s simple equation On current form, India’s route looks uncomplicated. Wins in their next two fixtures – against Bangladesh on September 24 and Sri Lanka on September 26- will guarantee them a place in the final regardless of other results. Pakistan’s must-win scenario For Pakistan, every game is a knockout. They face Sri Lanka first, before meeting Bangladesh, and must win both to keep their destiny in their own hands. Even then, qualification could hinge on net run rate (NRR) if Bangladesh or Sri Lanka spring an upset. Possible scenarios -If India and Pakistan both win their remaining matches, the two will meet again in the final. – If Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka, they will need India to beat both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and then hope NRR works in their favour against the other two sides. -In case India slip against Bangladesh while Pakistan beat both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, a three-way tie on points could emerge, bringing NRR into play. The remaining fixtures read: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, India vs Bangladesh, Pakistan vs Bangladesh and India vs Sri Lanka. The outcomes of these games will decide whether the tournament gets the dream finale fans are hoping for.