Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced off in a rain-affected Asia Cup Super 4 clash in Colombo, with Pakistan batting first after winning the toss. Due to multiple rain delays, the match was reduced to 42 overs per side.
Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing opener Fakhar Zaman for just 4 runs in the 5th over off the bowling of Pramod Madushan. Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique then stabilized the innings with a 64-run partnership before Babar was stumped by Kusal Mendis off-spinner Dunith Wellalage for 29.
Shafique continued positively, bringing up his maiden ODI half-century. However, he too fell shortly after for 52, caught by Madushan off the bowling of Mahesh Theekshana. At 100/3 in the 22nd over, Pakistan were in a spot of bother.
The middle order also failed to fire, with the likes of Mohammad Haris (3), Iftikhar Ahmed (47), and Mohammad Nawaz (12) falling cheaply. However, Mohammad Rizwan held firm, scoring an unbeaten 86 to take Pakistan to a fighting total. Some late big hits took Pakistan to 252/7 after their 42 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Theekshana and Pathirana picked up 2 wickets each while Madushan and Wellalage got 1 each. The Lankans now need 253 runs in their 42 overs to pull off a victory and qualify for the final against India. With a strong batting lineup, they will back themselves to chase this target. But Pakistan’s bowlers will be raring to go and make life difficult for the hosts.
Overall, it was a decent batting effort by Pakistan considering the challenging conditions. Rizwan’s knock was vital in helping them set a challenging target. An exciting run chase now awaits as both teams battle it out intensely in this virtual semi-final.
