Asia Cup: Sri Lanka sets up a final clash with India

by Staff Writer 15-09-2023 | 8:38 AM

The 5th game of the Super 4 stage at Asia Cup 2023 witnessed a nail-biting encounter as Sri Lanka faced off against Pakistan at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 2 wickets (D/L Method) and qualified for the finals.

Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat, looking to set a challenging total for Sri Lanka. Their innings got off to a shaky start as Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam fell quickly.

However, Mohammad Rizwan‘s remarkable knock of 86 runs off 73 balls provided stability and momentum to the Pakistani innings. Iftikhar Ahmed also made a significant contribution with 47 runs off 40 balls.

Chasing a target of 253, Sri Lanka began their innings with determination. Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring 91 runs off 87 balls, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka also made significant contributions with 48 and 49 runs, respectively.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Iftikhar Ahmed, with his three wickets, posed a constant threat. Shaheen Afridi also chipped in with two crucial wickets. As the match entered its final stages, rain interrupted play, and the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) Method came into play.

With Sri Lanka needing 252 to win from 42 overs, the D/L Method calculation added an extra layer of excitement to the already tense encounter. As the overs ticked by, Sri Lanka held their nerve, and with just two wickets in hand, they reached the revised target, securing a thrilling victory in the final over.

Sri Lanka’s victory sets up a highly anticipated final clash with Team India in the Asia Cup 2023. Cricket fans around the world can hardly wait to witness the showdown between these two cricketing giants as they battle for the prestigious title.