Asia Cup 2023: Kusal Mendis and Matheesha Pathirana emerge as top run-getters and wicket-takers after Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match (Updated)
Sri Lanka secures a thrilling last-ball win over Pakistan to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final.
In a thrilling match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday, September 14, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Asia Cup 2023 final with a nail-biting last-ball victory over Pakistan. The game was delayed due to rain and ultimately reduced to 45 overs per side. Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, won the toss and chose to bat first, making two changes to the team that was announced the previous day. Sri Lanka also made changes to their lineup after their loss to India.
Pakistan's opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Sahfique faced a tough challenge against Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack. However, Zaman struggled and was dismissed for just four runs. Azam contributed 25 runs, but it was Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan who played crucial innings and set the foundation for Pakistan's total.
Due to another rain interruption, the match was further reduced to 42 overs per side. After the break, Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed accelerated the scoring rate, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total of 252-7 in their allotted overs.
In response, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera, who replaced Dimuth Karunaratne, provided a positive start but unfortunately got run out. Pathum Nissanka took his time to settle in but played beautifully once he found his rhythm. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama then formed a vital partnership for the third wicket, ensuring that the required run rate was manageable. Despite a late comeback from Pakistan with a couple of quick wickets, Charith Asalanka remained calm under pressure and guided Sri Lanka to victory in the final over.
Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 86 runs off 73 deliveries made him the fourth-highest run-scorer of the Asia Cup 2023. He has scored a total of 195 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 97.50. Kusal Mendis, with his exceptional knock of 91 runs off 87 deliveries, now holds the record for the highest individual score in the ongoing Asia Cup. He has accumulated 253 runs in five matches at an average of 63.25. Sadeera Samarawickrama played a crucial role in the middle overs and narrowly missed out on his fifty. He has climbed to the second spot in the list of run-scorers, with 215 runs in five innings at an average of 43.00.
While Matheesa Pathirana was a bit expensive, he made up for it by taking three crucial wickets against Pakistan. He finished with figures of 3-65 in eight overs. Pathirana is now the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with a total of 11 wickets in five matches. Dunith Wellalage, who had previously taken a five-wicket haul against India, also made an impact in the match against Pakistan. The young left-arm spinner ended with figures of 1-40 off nine overs, including the prized wicket of Babar Azam. He received support from Maheesh Theeksana, who battled through a hamstring injury to claim the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz and finish with figures of 1-42 off nine overs.
Overall, it was a thrilling contest between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Sri Lanka's victory has earned them a well-deserved spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final, where they will face a formidable opponent in their quest for glory.
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