In a last-ball thriller, Charith Asalanka showed remarkable composure, steering Sri Lanka to a two-wicket victory in the must-win Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Pakistan in Colombo. The nail-biter secured Sri Lanka’s place in the final, where they will face India at the same venue on Sunday.
Rain delayed the start of the virtual shootout by 75 minutes, reducing it to a 42-over affair. Pakistan chose to bat and managed a respectable 252/7 after early struggles. Sri Lanka made an energetic start, thanks to Kusal Perera’s eight-ball 17. It took a brilliant piece of fielding from Shadab Khan to run him out.
Kusal Mendis then paired up with Pathum Nissanka to maintain the momentum. Shadab struck again, removing Nissanka in the 14th over. But the arrival of the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama stabilised the Sri Lankan innings. The dynamic duo of him and Mendis put together 100 runs for the third wicket, bringing Sri Lanka closer to the target.
Despite a minor collapse caused by some outstanding bowling by Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi, Asalanka remained calm and propelled his team to a memorable win.
Pakistan started poorly. Fakhar Zaman fell for just four, bowled by Pramod Madushan. Captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique crafted together a 64-run partnership. Dunith Wellalage had Babar stumped for 29, igniting Sri Lanka’s comeback. Abdullah Shafique, who had just reached his maiden half-century, departed off a Matheesha Pathirana short delivery.
Pakistan stumbled further with the swift dismissals of Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz, slipping to 130/5. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed then orchestrated a recovery, with a 108-run partnership.
Iftikhar’s knock of 47 off 40 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, was cut short in the penultimate over. Rizwan remained unbeaten on an impressive 86 off 73 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes.