Defending champions Sri Lanka edged out Pakistan in a last-ball thriller by two wickets in what was a must-win clash for both teams to enter the Asia Cup 2023 final, where they will play India on Sunday (September 17).
This will be Sri Lanka's 12th Asia Cup final, 11th in the ODI format. They have so far won the title six times, while their opponents in the final, India have clinched the trophy seven times.
In what was a topsy-turvy game of cricket, injury-hit Pakistan batted first to score 252/7 after rain forced the game to be reduced to 42 overs per-side contest. Pakistan has made five changes, four of which were forced due to injuries. Sri Lanka also made two changes to their side.
Mohammad Rizwan batted superbly to score 86*, while Abdullah Shafique and Iftikhar Ahmed contributed 52 and 47 runs respectively to help the team post a competitive total. Matheesha Pathirana took 3/65 for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka were set the same score of 252 in 42 overs to win as a result of DLS adjustments, which they eventually achieved off the last ball after several twists. Player-of-the-Match, Kusal Mendis top-scored with 91, and was well supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama (48). However Iftikhar Ahmed (3/50) made things tricky for Sri Lanka.
Charith Asalanka, who took Sri Lanka past the finishing line, remained unbeaten on 49. Sri Lanka needed only 12 runs off the last two overs, with five wickets in hand, but Shaheen Afridi bowled superbly to concede just four runs and pick up two wickets to get Pakistan back in the game, with Sri Lanka still needing 8 to win.
Debutant Zaman Khan bowled a fine last over, as the equation came down to six runs needed off the last two balls, with Asalanka on strike. The left-hander kept his nerve, hitting a four towards third-man and then carefully hit the ball in the vacant deep square-leg area to get the two runs needed to win the game.
The match finished way past mid-night in the Indian subcontinent, but the nervy match kept everyone awake as the cricket fraternity congratulated Sri Lanka for their victory.
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