Asia Cup 2025 qualification scenarios and points table: An in-form Afghanistan side, led by Rashid Khan, was in for a rude awakening about its batting stocks as they surrendered to an eight-run defeat in a 155-run chase against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening.
The stinging loss stirred up the qualification battle between three equally placed sides in Group B, while the equations remain somewhat predictable in Group A after India recorded two thumping wins to begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign. Losing to Bangladesh after a resounding win over Hong Kong, Afghanistan find themselves in a direct shootout with Sri Lanka for one of 2 Group B slots for the Super 4 round.
Here is a look at the points table standings and how each team can qualify for the Super 4s
Group A Points Table: How can Pakistan qualify for Super 4 stage
| Teams | M | W | L | Points | NRR |
| 1. India (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4.793 |
| 2. Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.649 |
| 3. UAE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2.03 |
| 4. Oman | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -3.375 |
India’s dominant performance has simplified the equations in Group A, with Pakistan and the UAE heading into the final round of the league stage with a shot at the next round. While the UAE could mathematically still pose a chance, their net negative NRR of -2.03 could all but rule out their qualification, even with a sizable win. Salman Agha’s Pakistan thereby would only require a win over UAE to qualify for the Super 4s alongside India.
Group B Points Table: BAN, SL and AFG in race for 2 spots
| Teams | M | W | L | Points | NRR |
| 1. Sri Lanka | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1.546 |
| 2. Bangladesh | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -0.27 |
| 3. Afghanistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.15 |
| 4. Hong Kong | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -2.15 |
With wins over Afghanistan and Hong Kong, Bangladesh have finished on four points. However, they cannot rest easy as the outcome of the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan could still force their exit from the group stage. Bangladesh’s -0.27 NRR could be a thorn in their hopes as both Sri Lanka hold superior NRRs with only two points in between. Should Afghanistan overcome the Lankans without a overwhelming margin, all three teams, including Bangladesh, could be locked level on points, with the positive NRRs of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan taking them through to the next round.
Asia Cup 2025: Remaining Group matches
September 17, 2025: UAE vs Pakistan, Dubai
September 18, 2025: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi
September 19, 2025: India v Oman
