Mohammad Rizwan guides Pakistan to a respectable total
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat, looking to set a challenging total for Sri Lanka. Their innings got off to a shaky start as Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam fell quickly. However, Mohammad Rizwan‘s remarkable knock of 86 runs off 73 balls provided stability and momentum to the Pakistani innings. Iftikhar Ahmed also made a significant contribution with 47 runs off 40 balls.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers gave their all, with Matheesha Pathirana taking three crucial wickets for the team. In the end, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 252/7 in their allotted 42 overs.
Sri Lanka’s gritty response
Chasing a target of 253, Sri Lanka began their innings with determination. Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring 91 runs off 87 balls, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka also made significant contributions with 48 and 49 runs, respectively.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Iftikhar Ahmed, with his three wickets, posed a constant threat. Shaheen Afridi also chipped in with two crucial wickets. As the match entered its final stages, rain interrupted play, and the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) Method came into play.
Also WATCH: Pramod Madushan bamboozles Fakhar Zaman with a brilliant inswinging yorker during PAK vs SL – Asia Cup 2023
The thrilling conclusion
With Sri Lanka needing 252 to win from 42 overs, the D/L Method calculation added an extra layer of excitement to the already tense encounter. As the overs ticked by, Sri Lanka held their nerve, and with just two wickets in hand, they reached the revised target, securing a thrilling victory in the final over.
What’s next
Sri Lanka’s victory sets up a highly anticipated final clash with Team India in the Asia Cup 2023. Cricket fans around the world can hardly wait to witness the showdown between these two cricketing giants as they battle for the prestigious title.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s, IND vs BAN – R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report, Colombo Weather Forecast, ODI Stats & Records
Here is how Twitter reacted:
What a thrilling victory!
Sri Lanka secures a spot in the #AsiaCup2023 finals on Sunday with a thrilling 2-wicket win over Pakistan!#AsiaCup2023 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/lJF3CCNjPK
— Sri Lanka Cricket(@OfficialSLC) September 14, 2023
What a contest #AsiaCup2023 Happy for Charith Asalanka man. Congrats to Sri Lanka on getting to the Asia Cup final again. Continue trending in the right direction.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) September 14, 2023
Decided on the final delivery as Sri Lanka win bywickets
Great fight shown by the boys#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/nZgtLcPVVT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in a thriller to secure final berth
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 14, 2023
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