Pakistan and Sri Lanka clashed in a virtual semi-final in the Super 4s stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on September 14, at the RPS, Colombo. The winner of this encounter will meet India in the final on Sunday.
After a long rain delay, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bat first. The Men in Green had to make two further changes in the playing XI and Fakhar Zaman replaced Imam Ul Haq, who had a back spasm and Abdullah Shafique came in for Saud Shakeel, who had a fever.
Sri Lanka brought in Kusal Perera and Pramod Madushan, while the match was reduced to 45 overs per side, which was then further reduced to 42 overs after one more rain break.
Fakhar Zaman’s poor form continued as he only managed 4 runs. Abdullah Shafique (52) and Babar Azam (29) stabilized the innings with a 64-run partnership. But Pakistan continued to lose wickets at regular intervals with Mohammad Haris (3) and Mohammad Nawaz (12) falling quickly.
Then Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed came together to stitch 108 runs for the 6th wicket which also gave the impetus to the Pakistan innings. Ahmed made 47 from 40 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes, while Rizwan remained not out on 86 in 73 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Pakistan finished their 42 overs with the score of 252/7. For Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana took 3/65 and Pramod Madushan took two wickets.
The Pakistan cricket fraternity on social media platform X was all praises for Mohammad Rizwan as he along with Iftikhar, took Pakistan to a very good total in a pressure match.
Here are some reactions:
