Pakistan VS Sri Lanka || Sri-Lanka is in the final !
ACC
The Asia Cup is going on. Fans have witnessed several exciting matches in this year's Asia Cup. The Super Four also had some great matches after the exciting battle between Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan in the group stage. India easily qualified for the final as the first team from the Super Four match, but Pakistan and Sri Lanka had a chance as the second team. On the other hand, Bangladesh lost the first two matches in the Super Four and was eliminated.
Yesterday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced each other in the fight to reach the final of the Asia Cup. In the unannounced semi-final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat. When the start of the match was delayed due to rain, the game was reduced to 42 overs. Pakistan captain Babar wanted to bat first and score a good score. So that later they can put Sri Lankan batsmen under pressure..
There were several changes in Pakistan's playing XI for this match due to injuries. Abdullah Shafiq replaces Imam-ul-Haq, Zaman Khan replaces Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. replaces Naseem Shah in the XI. The injury of the team's inform bowlers was a cause of concern for the team. In the end, the absence of Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah became the reason for Pakistan's loss.
Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafiq did not get off to a good start. Fakhar Zaman was bowled out by Pramod Madhusan for just nine runs for the team and walked to the pavilion. Captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafiq were leading the team well after the departure of Fakhar Zaman. However, a 60+ run partnership was broken when Babar Azam was stumped out with a personal 29 runs. Then three more batsmen were out between 70 and 130 runs. Pakistan's team is under pressure after losing precious five wickets.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and Iftekhar Ahmed took Pakistan to a good position by handling that pressure. Together they make a valuable pair of 108 tons. Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten by playing the team's highest innings of 86 runs. Iftekhar Ahmed failed to complete his half-century for just 3 runs. After the scheduled 42 overs, Pakistan's innings stopped at 252 runs. The target for Sri Lanka is 252 runs in 42 overs.
Pathun Nishakka and Kushal Mendis started brilliantly for Sri Lanka. Kushal Perera departed with 17 runs, but thanks to the help of these two batsmen, Sri Lanka completed the team's 100 runs before 18 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama's 48 and Asalakka's unbeaten 49 after the dismissal of Pathun Nishakka saw Sri Lanka win by 2 wickets by DLS method. But in the end, the fans on the field witnessed the drama. The team lost three wickets when 12 runs were needed in the last two overs. However, as luck favored them, Sri Lanka won. As a result, Babar Azam's Pakistan couldn't qualify for the final after performing brilliantly throughout the tournament.
If everything goes well, Sri Lanka and India will meet in the final of the Asia Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 17. Will the current champion Sri Lanka be able to retain their title? Or will India take another title?