Asia Cup 2025: Why there are no semi-finals and how the finalists will be decided

The ongoing edition of the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 went underway on September 9, and the summit clash will be played on September 28, as eight teams are preparing to get the ultimate silverware. The participating teams are divided into groups of four each, with India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE forming the Group A, whereas, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka have been slotted in Group B. This is also the third time the Asia Cup is being played in the 20-over format, the previous two being in 2016 and 2022, respectively.

The pathway to the final has kept changing quite a few times in the history of the continental tournament. The 1997 instalment was the first one in which the concept of Super Four was introduced. For instance, instances like 2010 and 2012 have seen the finalists get decided straightaway after the round-robin stage. Since the 2014 edition, the Super Four stage has been a regular occurrence.

Why no semi-finals?

One of the main reasons behind no semi-finals is the intention behind scheduling. There is an angle of broadcasting and a commercial aspect too. The Super Four format instead of semi-finals ensures that more number of high-stakes matches are played. Almost every game in the Super Four acts as a virtual semi-final as the top two teams from each group, with every side getting to compete in three fierce games in this stage.

How will the finalists be decided?

The top two teams from each group will progress through to the Super Four. In this particular phase, each of the four sides will play the other three teams in what will be a round-robin format. The points system will the same: two for a win, one for a no-result and nil for a loss.

The two teams finishing the highest will play the final. If teams finish level on points, which has quite often been the case, net run rate (NRR) will come into play. In previous editions, the teams who have mostly finished first during the group-stage end up playing the final too.

As of the nine matches completed currently, India and Sri Lanka stand as the only two sides to be confirmed for a berth in the Super Fours. As a result, only a couple of spots are left for grabs, and two of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh or the UAE will eventually be able to make it through.