Pak vs SL Highlights: Kusal Mendis’ 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka edged out Pakistan by two wickets in a last-ball thriller of the Asia Cup to set up a final clash with India.
Sri Lanka Defeats Pakistan
In a thrilling Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought victory against Pakistan, winning by 2 wickets and earning a spot in the final.
Mohammad Rizwan’s outstanding performance, scoring 86 runs, and Iftikhar Ahmed’s contribution of 47 runs led Pakistan to a formidable total of 252 for the loss of 7 wickets in 42 overs, due to rain interruptions.
However, Kusal Mendis’ impressive batting display, supported by Charith Asalanka (49) and Sadira Samarawickrama (48), enabled Sri Lanka to chase down the target in 42 overs.
The final showdown on Sunday will see Sri Lanka face off against India.
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan (86) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) combined for a crucial partnership, propelling Pakistan to a strong score of 252 for 7 wickets against Sri Lanka, in a rain-affected Super Four match of the Asia Cup, played over 42 overs.
Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) and captain Babar Azam (29) also made significant contributions, but it was Rizwan and Iftikhar who guided Pakistan past the 250-run mark.
After an initial setback with the quick loss of Fakhar Zaman’s wicket, both Pakistani batsmen took charge and put Sri Lanka under pressure. However, young Dushmantha Chameera claimed the crucial wicket of Captain Babar Azam. Abdullah Shafique capitalized on the opportunity with a superb half-century.
Mahesh Thikshana took the final wicket of Mohammad Nawaz (12) on the last ball before the break. Mohammad Rizwan was at the crease.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat in the rain-affected match. Despite the early loss of Fakhar Zaman’s wicket, Babar and Shafique steadied Pakistan’s innings. There were several changes in the Pakistan lineup, with Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Harris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim, and Zaman Khan stepping in for Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali.
Muhammad Harris, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Jr., and Zaman Khan had their chance to prove themselves.
Key Points:
- Sri Lanka defeats Pakistan by 2 wickets, securing a spot in the Asia Cup final.
- Kushal Mendis dismissed early, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot.
- Rizwan’s valiant 86 off 73 balls led Pakistan’s innings.
- Pakistan reaches 200 runs in 37.1 overs.
- Rizwan reaches 50 in the 12th over.
- Pakistan reaches 150 runs in 32 overs.
- Pathirana claims the second wicket as Harris departs cheaply.
- Pakistan hits 100 runs in 22 overs.
- Abdullah Shafique achieves his first ODI half-century.
- Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique forge a crucial partnership.
- Fakhar Zaman falls quickly once again.
- Pakistan opts to bat after winning the toss.
- Toss at 5 PM, match begins at 5:15 PM with a 45-over side game.
- If the match doesn’t start by 4:30 PM IST, overs will be reduced.
- Pakistani fast bowler Zaman Khan earns his ODI cap.
- Delay in the match due to wet outfield.
- Toss delayed due to rain.
Player Spotlight:
Kusal Mendis | Player of the Match “I’m delighted with my performance and reaching the final. We lost two quick wickets, and we were nervous, but the partnership with Charith gave us hope. This is what I did against Afghanistan as well. I think we bowled really well too. I’m very happy to reach the final. Wanindu, Lahiru Kumara, and Dushmantha are our main bowlers, but we have others who are doing well. This is a young unit. Thanks a lot to the fans for supporting us, please do the same in the final!”