Asia Cup 2023, the 16th edition of the men’s edition of the tournament (14th in ODI format), began on August 30. Along with the ICC Full Members – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan – it also featured tournament debutants Nepal.

Nepal qualified for the contest after winning the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, and were placed in the same group with India and Pakistan.

Asia Cup 2023 points table: Updated points tally and net run rate

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Pakistan posted 342-6 and bowled out Nepal for 104 in the tournament opener. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash – the first in men’s ODIs since the 2019 World Cup – was abandoned due to rain after Pakistan bowled out India for 266.

India then bowled out Nepal for 230. After a burst of rain, their target was adjusted to 145 in 23 overs: they won with 10 wickets and 17 balls in hand.

In Group B, Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for 164 and won by five wickets, but Bangladesh amassed 334-5 and shot out Afghanistan for 245. In the decider, Afghanistan needed to chase 292 in 37.1 overs, but they were bowled out for 289, and were duly eliminated.

The Super Fours began with Pakistan bowling out Bangladesh for 193 and winning inside 40 overs. Sri Lanka won as well, posting 257-9 and bowling out Bangladesh for 236.

In the third match, India made 356-2 and bowled out Pakistan for 128 to secure a massive net run rate boost of +0.456. The massive defeat also saw Pakistan’s net run rate slip to -1.892, below Sri Lanka’s +0.420. Sri Lanka also have a match in hand.

India play Sri Lanka on September 12 and Bangladesh on September 15. Sandwiched between them is the Sri Lanka-Pakistan clash on September 14, while the final will be played on September 17.