Sri Lanka’s final group-stage clash against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup has effectively become a knockout, with all three Group B teams — Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan — still in contention for a Super Four spot.
According to cricket analyst Krishna Kumar, the qualification picture is as follows:
- Afghanistan: A win against Sri Lanka guarantees their qualification.
- Bangladesh: They qualify if Sri Lanka win, or if Afghanistan secure a massive victory — either by 71+ runs or by chasing 120 runs with 53+ balls to spare.
- Sri Lanka: They qualify as long as they avoid such a heavy defeat. For example, if Afghanistan post 180, Sri Lanka must not lose by 71 or more runs; if Sri Lanka set 120, they must prevent Afghanistan from finishing the chase with 53 or more balls left.
Qualification Scenarios
- Sri Lanka win → Sri Lanka & Bangladesh qualify
- Afghanistan win → Afghanistan qualify; Sri Lanka or Bangladesh advance on Net Run Rate (NRR)
