On Thursday, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a virtual semi-final of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo’s R.Premadasa Stadium.
Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in Asia Cup
The Asia Cup 2023 final will now be played on September 17 in Colombo between Sri Lanka and India.
The Lions have stormed into the Super11 Asia Cup 2023 finals with an exceptional run chase. Kusal Mendis showcased impeccable skills with a 91-run innings, while Asalanka's brilliant late blitz proved to be the game-changer! ????????#AsiaCup2023 #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/yTaP7TxLog
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 14, 2023
Charith Asalanka remained composed as the burden of getting his side over the line in the final few overs fell on his shoulders, but he batted with patience.
6 runs in last 2 balls
Match was in the away side’s favour during the last over, courtesy to Zaman Khan’s brilliance, as they only needed to defend six runs in the last two balls.
However, Asalanka gained an outside edge on the match’s final ball, which touched the boundary line.
When Zaman bowled a slower length ball on the pads, Sri Lanka needed two off one, but the left-handed batter held his cool and struck a simple drive into the deep square leg barrier, celebrating as he raced two across the pitch to guide his side to a historic win.
He discussed his thought process behind the last-ball triumph during a post-match ceremony.
“I just thought how can I get two to hit a gap and run hard because it is a big field and just told Pathirana to run hard.
thought either he will bowl a bouncer or a yorker and then he bowled a slower ball, so it was in my side. I am very excited.
Mendis and Sadeera batted really well. I wanted to finish. That is my role. I can rank this innings second place in my book,” he said.
100-run Partnership
Sri Lanka appeared to be favourites from the start, chasing a goal of 252 runs, with their batters playing mature and cautious innings. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama put their team on top with a key 100-run partnership.
Mendis went out after 91 runs, while Samarawickrama was two runs shy of his half-century when he was caught by Iftikhar Ahmed.
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