Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super 4 match, which was hampered by rain in Colombo. The game’s total number of overs was lowered to 42 due to numerous weather delays.
Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Pramod Madushan for just 4 runs in the fifth over, giving Pakistan a rocky start. After stabilizing the innings with a 64-run partnership, Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, Babar was out for 29 after being stumped by Kusal Mendis off-spinner Dunith Wellalage.
Shafique carried on successfully and reached his first ODI half-century. However, he too was dismissed shortly thereafter for 52 runs, caught by Madushan off Mahesh Theekshana’s bowling. Pakistan was in trouble when they reached 100/3 in the 22nd over.
Mohammad Haris (3), Iftikhar Ahmed (47), and Mohammad Nawaz (12), among others, all failed to score in the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, persevered, striking an unbroken 86 to lift Pakistan to a respectable total. Pakistan finished their 42 overs on 252/7 thanks to some late big hits.
Theekshana, Pathirana, and Madushan each took two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Wellalage and Wellalage each took one. The Lankans must now score 253 runs in their remaining 42 overs to win and advance to the final versus India. They will put their confidence in themselves to pursue this goal with a potent batting order. However, Pakistan’s bowlers will be eager to make life challenging for the hosts.
Overall, Pakistan’s batting performance was respectable given the difficult circumstances. They needed Rizwan’s knock to help them set a high bar. Both teams are now engaged in a fierce battle in this virtual semifinal, which will culminate in an exciting run chase.
