Pakistan opted to bat first at a tricky Colombo pitch in their do-or-die game against Sri Lanka. Fakhar Zaman had a horrible day since he missed a straight ball. After surviving a few near LBW shouts, his partner Abdullah Shafique, who had initially been a little nervous, struck an impressive fifty.
At the other end, Babar was also looking strong, but he was denied by a stunning dismissal from Wellalage, who has made it a habit to trouble top-tier batters. At 130/5 shortly after 27.4 overs, Pakistan was in trouble, but the arrival of the rain gods effectively turned the tide in their favour.
Ifthikhar and Rizwan made the most of the ideal batting conditions as the ball began to spin less and the pitch got a little moist. With 86 runs, Rizwan outscored everyone and took cautious risks, while Iftikhar displayed some big-boy strength to score a useful 47. Sri Lanka were set a tricky target of 252 runs in 42 overs, in order to reach the final against India
Sri Lankan middle order fires them to Asia Cup 2023 final
Pakistan started the innings off a little shaky, however a run out from their best all-rounder got them going. Even though Sadeera Samarawickrama as well as Kusal Mendis led Lanka during the middle phases, both of the openers left the field very early.
The pair put up 100 runs over the third wicket as Pakistan appeared to be at a loss for words. Babar took a gamble as Iftikhar Ahmed ended up ending the alliance and removing both Shanaka and Kusal Mendis.
Even though Pakistan was almost dead and buried, they came back to fight when Shaheen Afridi produced a brilliant penultimate over, scalping two wickets and giving up only four runs. Zaman Khan was given the last over responsibilities, but it had become Asalanka’s day to shine.
In the end, Charith Asalanka emerges as the hero after his casual flick behind square had put the entire stadium into a frenzy. Sri Lanka advanced into their second consecutive Asia Cup final after a thrilling last-ball match in this virtual semi-final.
Fans react to Sri Lanka beating Pakistan to advance to Asia Cup 2023 final against India:
SRI LANKA HAVE DONE IT…!!!
What a run chase this is against Pakistan – they knocked out Pakistan from Asia Cup. A victory to remember for Sri Lanka, they played like champions without their premier bowlers! pic.twitter.com/7goAzk4Urt
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 14, 2023
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