Asia Cup 2023 : Sri Lanka’s Thrilling Victory Over Pakistan And Will Play Final With Bharat
PAK vs SL, Super 4: Fifties from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis powered Sri Lanka to a two-wicket win over Pakistan.
Asia Cup 2023 : Road to the Final
In a nail-biting encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka displayed a clinical approach in its run-chase, securing a two-wicket victory over Pakistan. This thrilling win paves the way for Sri Lanka to face India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023.
Nerve-Wracking Finish
Despite a strong start, Sri Lanka’s run-chase took an unexpected turn when they lost five wickets for just 36 runs. The match reached its climax with a heart-stopping final over, bowled by Zaman Khan.
A Partnership to Remember
Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s remarkable 100-run partnership for the third wicket was a masterclass in setting up a successful chase. Their strategic running between the wickets and timely boundaries ensured that the required run rate never spiraled out of control.
Kusal Mendis at his finest! Despite falling short of a well-deserved century, he delivered a match-winning knock! #SLvPAK #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/0jbU6JgJDr
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 14, 2023
Openers’ Impact
Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka provided an early injection of intent, securing a flurry of boundaries to stay on par with the DLS par score in a rain-affected game.
One of the craziest finishes in the ODIs!
Sri Lanka came out on top of Pakistan and knocked them out of Asia Cup…!!! pic.twitter.com/QcQTFpeRaM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 14, 2023
Pakistan’s Innings
Earlier in the day, after a two-hour and fifteen-minute delay due to rain, Pakistan elected to bat. They found themselves struggling at 130 for five in the 28th over when rain once again interrupted play.
Two Halves of Pakistan’s Innings
On either side of a 30-minute rain break, Pakistan’s innings unfolded in contrasting halves. Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) forged a stunning 108-run partnership post the rain interruption, helping Pakistan score 122 runs off 86 balls.
Dominance in the Middle Overs
The pitch appeared to ease up after the rain break, and Rizwan and Iftikhar capitalised on it. They attacked the bowlers with authority, hitting boundaries and sixes to boost Pakistan’s total.
A Fitting Contest
Despite their remarkable partnership, Pakistan’s efforts fell short. Sri Lanka’s exceptional performance in the end secured their place in the Asia Cup 2023 final.
Final Showdown
With a thrilling victory over Pakistan, Sri Lanka now sets its sights on the championship clash with India in the Asia Cup 2023 final. Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate an electrifying battle as these two teams vie for supremacy in the subcontinent.
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