• Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in a thrilling contest and qualified for Asia Cup 2023 final.

  • Sri Lanka will face Team India in the summit clash on Sunday.

Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka’s nerve-wracking win against Pakistan sets up a final clash with India in the Asia Cup 2023
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to qualify for Asia Cup final (Image Source: Twitter)

Table of Contents

The 5th game of the Super 4 stage at Asia Cup 2023 witnessed a nail-biting encounter as Sri Lanka faced off against Pakistan at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 2 wickets (D/L Method) and qualified for the finals.

Mohammad Rizwan guides Pakistan to a respectable total

Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat, looking to set a challenging total for Sri Lanka. Their innings got off to a shaky start as Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam fell quickly. However, Mohammad Rizwan‘s remarkable knock of 86 runs off 73 balls provided stability and momentum to the Pakistani innings. Iftikhar Ahmed also made a significant contribution with 47 runs off 40 balls.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers gave their all, with Matheesha Pathirana taking three crucial wickets for the team. In the end, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 252/7 in their allotted 42 overs.

Sri Lanka’s gritty response

Chasing a target of 253, Sri Lanka began their innings with determination. Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring 91 runs off 87 balls, anchoring the Sri Lankan innings. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka also made significant contributions with 48 and 49 runs, respectively.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Iftikhar Ahmed, with his three wickets, posed a constant threat. Shaheen Afridi also chipped in with two crucial wickets. As the match entered its final stages, rain interrupted play, and the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) Method came into play.

Also WATCH: Pramod Madushan bamboozles Fakhar Zaman with a brilliant inswinging yorker during PAK vs SL – Asia Cup 2023

The thrilling conclusion

With Sri Lanka needing 252 to win from 42 overs, the D/L Method calculation added an extra layer of excitement to the already tense encounter. As the overs ticked by, Sri Lanka held their nerve, and with just two wickets in hand, they reached the revised target, securing a thrilling victory in the final over.

What’s next

Sri Lanka’s victory sets up a highly anticipated final clash with Team India in the Asia Cup 2023. Cricket fans around the world can hardly wait to witness the showdown between these two cricketing giants as they battle for the prestigious title.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s, IND vs BAN – R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report, Colombo Weather Forecast, ODI Stats & Records

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.