Pakistan on Thursday (September 14) were knocked out of Asia Cup 2023 with a two-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the Super-4 clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
In a rain-marred affair, the Men in Green posted 252/7 in their allotted 42 overs on the back of Mohammad Rizwan’s stunning 86* from 73 balls and valiant knocks from Abdullah Shafique (52) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47).
Matheesha Pathirana picked up three wickets for Sri Lanka but leaked 65 runs in his eight overs while Pramod Madushan (2-58), Dunith Wellalage (1-40) and Maheesh Theekshana (1-42) shared four scalps among them.
In reply, Kusal Mendis led a determined batting effort for Sri Lanka with a brilliant knock of 91 in 87 balls. He was well supported by Charith Asalanka (49 not out) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) as the hosts successfully overhauled the target on the final delivery.
This result means that Dasun Shanaka’s men will now face Rohit Sharma’s India in the final to be played on Sunday (September 17) at the same venue in Colombo.
In the aftermath of Pakistan's defeat and ouster from the Asia Cup, Pakistan cricket fraternity expressed its disappointment on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Here are the reactions:
