Asia Cup: Sri Lanka stun Pakistan in a thriller to meet India in final
Sri Lanka batters kept calm at the crucial junctures of the game to pull off a hard-earned victory against Pakistan on Thursday to meet India in the final of the 2023 Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka won the match by 2 wickets (DLS method).
Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) put up a 108-run stand to steer Pakistan to a commanding 252 for 7 after rain reduced the match to 42-overs a side contest.
However, Kusal Mendis (91) led a valiant batting display alongside Charith Asalanka (49 not out) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) as Sri Lanka overhauled the target in 42 overs.
Sri Lanka will take on India in final on Sunday.
Earlier, opener Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) shared a 64-run stand with skipper Babar Azam (29) after opting to bat in the crucial fixture.
But it was Rizwan and Iftikhar who provided the final flourish, taking Pakistan across the 250-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, young pacer Matheesha Pathirana (3/64) was the most successful bowler.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 252 for 7 in 42 overs (Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out), Abdullah Shafique 52; Matheesha Pathirana 3/64)
Sri Lanka 252 for 8 in 42 overs (Kusal Mendis 91 Charith Asalanka 49 not out; Iftikhar Ahmed 3/50).
