Pakistan has set a target of 253 runs for Sri Lanka in the knockout match of the Asia Cup. The winner of this match will face India in the final, scheduled for September 17 in Colombo. After the DLS adjustment, the target was reduced by one run, making it 252 runs in 42 overs.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed played crucial roles in Pakistan’s innings, helping to reach a total that their bowlers, including debutant Zaman Khan, could defend. Rain at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo reduced the match to 42 overs.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 86 and formed a 108-run partnership with Ahmed, who scored 47 before getting out.
Pakistan’s top order struggled initially to capitalize on the powerplay, but Rizwan and Ahmed’s partnership helped stabilize the innings.
Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, won the toss and chose to bat against Sri Lanka after rain had shortened the Asia Cup knockout match to 45 overs per side.
The match essentially serves as a semi-final, with the winner earning a spot in the final against India, serving as a prelude to the ODI World Cup beginning in October.
Pakistan made two changes to their lineup, with Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique replacing Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel, who were unavailable due to injuries.
Sri Lanka also made two changes to their team compared to their previous Super Four match against India, with Kusal Perera and Pramod Madushan included in the XI.
Pakistan: Mohammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Abdullah Shafique, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan (vice-capt), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wkt), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana
