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Sri Lanka Seals Dramatic Last-Ball Win Against Pakistan, Advances to Asia Cup 2023 Final – Watch Highlights
In a last-ball thriller, Sri Lanka triumphs over Pakistan to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final against India. Sri Lanka successfully chased down a rain-adjusted target of 252, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the final.
Colombo, 14 September 2023
In an adrenaline-pumping finale, Sri Lanka emerged victorious against Pakistan to secure a place in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India. The Sri Lankan team successfully chased down a target of 252 in a rain-impacted game that came down to the last ball.
Rain Interrupts, Pakistan Opts to Bat
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in what was initially a 45-over match. Due to another spell of rain, the game was eventually truncated to 42 overs per side.
Pakistan’s Batting Highlights
Opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed early with just four runs on the board. However, a formidable partnership between captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique—who was unexpectedly included in the playing XI—added 64 runs, laying a robust foundation for Pakistan.
Despite Babar Azam’s departure, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed pulled off a blistering 108-run partnership off 78 balls, taking the Pakistani total to 252 by the end of their innings.
Sri Lanka’s Chase
The target was adjusted to 252 off 42 overs as per the DLS method. Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a shaky start with opener Kusal Perera run out after making 17. However, a crucial 100-run stand between Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama steadied the ship.
Kusal Mendis shone with a brilliant 91, while Charith Asalanka scored a gutsy 49 not out, overcoming the death overs challenge posed by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zaman Khan.
Last-Ball Drama
With two runs required off the last ball, the Dasun Shanaka-led team managed to squeeze out a couple, winning the match and advancing to the Asia Cup 2023 final.
Scores in Brief
Sri Lanka win by 2 wickets (DLS)
Pakistan: 252-7 in 42 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 86 not out, Abdullah Shafique 52; Matheesha Pathirana 3-65, Pramod Madushan 2-58)
Sri Lanka: 252-8 in 42 overs (Kusal Mendis 91, Charith Asalanka 49 not out; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-52)
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
The victory sets up a tantalizing final showdown between Sri Lanka and India, a match that promises to be yet another thriller in this action-packed Asia Cup 2023.
Photo: ESPNcricinfo.com
