Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan by five wickets in the final Super Fours match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 on Friday (September 9) at Dubai to extend their winning streak in the tournament and gain much-needed confidence ahead of the bug final on September 11.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka decided to bowl first and wreaked havoc on Pakistan’s batting line-up, as the Men in Green were bowled out for just 121 runs, with Babar Azam (30) being the highest run scorer.
Maheesh Theekshana and debutant Pramod Madushan each scalped two wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga snared three wickets for Sri Lanka against Pakistan.
Chasing the paltry total of 122 runs, Sri Lanka’s top order failed to deliver, but the opener Pathum Nissanka (55*) played till the end, and with the help of the lower order, the Islanders crossed the line in the 17th over to win the match by five wickets against Pakistan.
Mohammad Hasnain (2/21) and Haris Rauf (2/19) were the standout performers for Pakistan with the ball against Sri Lanka.
After the match, Babar Azam admitted that their batting has been a disappointment in the last two games, but was happy with his bowlers’ performance in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.
Azam said at the post-match presentation ceremony: “We played well in both games, but the batting has not been up to the mark. But surely impressed with our fast bowlers, Pakistan has always produced good pacers — the way Hasan made a comeback today was good. This was definitely a good learning experience; we will sit back and analyze this game, and see where we can improve for Sunday.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka was happy with the things falling in place but admitted that there are a few concerns that needed to be concerned.
Shanaka said at the post-match presentation ceremony: “Always acceptable this kind of result. The combination we have with the left-arm fast bowlers, the leg spinners — the variation we have is amazing. I think the extras were a concern in this game, and the lines the fast bowlers bowled. These are areas we can improve, if we could get early wickets in the next game that will be good.”
On the other hand, Wanindu Hasaranga was adjudged man of the match for his 3/21 spell and he was happy with his performance against Pakistan on Friday.
Hasaranga signed off by saying, “I’m really happy because last few games I’ve given up some runs, but today I’ve made a comeback strongly with wickets. First two overs, I just tried to bowl dot balls and build the pressure. I always look to come on to the pitch positively and give my best.”
(Firstpost inputs)
