Pakistan was knocked out of Asia Cup 2023 after losing to Sri Lanka in a must-win game.
Both the co-hosts met in a virtual semi-final for a place in the summit clash against India. The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to a rain delay.
Pakistan batted first and posted 252/7 with Mohammad Rizwan (86*) and Abdullah Shafique (52) being the main scorers.
In reply, Sri Lanka was buoyed by 91 from Kusal Mendis and brilliant knocks by Sadeera Samarawickrama (48). And then Charith Asalanka (49*) took his team past the finishing line on the last ball by 2 wickets.
As a result, Sri Lanka will now play India in the final on September 17, Sunday.
In the aftermath of the encounter, Irfan Pathan remarked on social media platform X saying that it would be better for India to play the final against Sri Lanka as it would not be a one-sided affair.
This was due to the fact that India had defeated Pakistan by a massive 228 runs in their Super 4s stage encounter which was spread over two days. India had posted 356/2 in 50 overs with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scoring unbeaten centuries and Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill hitting fifties.
in reply, Pakistan was bowled out for 128 runs with Kuldeep Yadav taking 5/28.
“Playing finals against Sri Lanka will be better for team India as it won’t be a one-sided affair”- Irfan Pathan posted.
The netizens were quick to catch onto what Pathan was implying and came up with their own reactions to the all-rounder’s post.
Here are some of them: