Sri Lanka to face India in Asia Cup Final.
Sri Lanka reached in Asia cup Final for 11th time.
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in high voltage match at Premdasa Stadium in colombo, while chasing a target of 252 runs (DLS). They are now to face India Cricket team in Asia Cup final on 17th September. Due bad weather and rain, match concluded at midnight 1am 15th september.
In the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a rain delay reduced the game to a 42-over contest. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat. Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) and skipper Babar Azam (29) put on a solid 64-run partnership before Pakistan stuttered at 130 for five in 27.4 overs.
However, a crucial 108-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) revived Pakistan’s innings, taking them to a commanding total of 252 for 7. This partnership was especially valuable after the early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman. Youngster Dunith Wellalage claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam, while Abdullah Shafique reached his maiden ODI fifty.
Sri Lanka’s Kushal Perera fell early, and Rizwan remained unbeaten at 86 from 73 deliveries. Pakistan reached 100 in 22 overs and 150 in 32 overs. Rizwan also scored his 12th ODI fifty during the innings.
Before the rain delay, Mohammad Nawaz (12) was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. Pakistan made several changes in their lineup, bringing in Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim, and Zaman Khan.
Despite delays due to a wet outfield and rain, the match eventually started as a 42-over game. Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan received his ODI cap, and the toss was delayed due to rain earlier in the day.
Key Highlights:
- 150 runs up for Sri Lanka in the 26th Over
- Sri Lanka lose opener Kushal Perera early
- Rizwan remains unbeaten at 86 from 73 deliveries
- 200 up for Pakistan in 37.1 overs
- Rizwan scores his 12th ODI 50
- 150 up for Pakistan in 32 overs
- Pathirana gets his second wicket of the match as Haris falls cheaply
- 100 up for Pakistan in 22 overs
- Maiden ODI fifty for Abdullah Shafique
- Dunith Wellalage gets the wicket of a well-settled Babar Azam
- Fifty-partnership comes up between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman once again falls early
- Pakistan won the toss, elected to bat first
- Toss at 5 pm, match started at 5.15 pm as a 45-over-a-side game
- Overs were reduced due to the delayed start.
During the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match, a series of rain interruptions and toss delays led to a reduction in the game’s overs, ultimately settling at a 42-over-a-side contest. Despite these challenges, Pakistan managed to turn the tide in their favor during a short rain break, with Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmad playing crucial roles. They propelled Pakistan’s innings, particularly in the last 10 overs, where they scored over 100 runs. Rizwan’s outstanding, unbeaten 86 off just 73 balls was the centerpiece of this late surge, helping Pakistan reach a total of 252/7.
However, Pakistan faced difficulties in containing Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Senior bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan struggled to keep the runs in check, and fielding errors, including dropped catches and misfields, didn’t aid their cause. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama formed a formidable partnership, amassing 100 runs off 98 balls for the third wicket, showcasing excellent strike rotation.
Yet, Pakistan made a strong comeback, with Iftikhar Ahmed making an impact with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets. As a result, the equation for Sri Lanka narrowed down to needing 20 runs off the last three overs. Due to the reduction in overs during Pakistan’s innings, the target for Sri Lanka was revised to 252 runs to chase in 42 overs.
In terms of team changes, Pakistan made three adjustments to their playing XI, including Mohammad Haris replacing the struggling Fakhar Zaman. However, an injury to Imam-ul-Haq during the match-day necessitated Fakhar Zaman’s return. Additionally, Saud Shakeel was unavailable due to fever, resulting in Abdullah Shafique taking his place.
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage emerged as a new hero, nearly single-handedly securing a victory against India. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s primary concerns revolved around their pace attack and the underperforming top order. Notably, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne hadn’t been in top form during the Asia Cup. With Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera absent, Sri Lanka’s pace attack appeared less potent. The nature of the Colombo pitch would play a crucial role, and if it resembled the conditions seen in the India match, Sri Lanka’s spinners could provide an advantage.
