On September 14, 2023, Pakistan Vs SriLanka played the 11th match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 1.
The match was held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka 2. Sri Lanka won the match by 2 wickets via DLS method 32.
The match was a virtual semi-final, with the winner securing a place in the final against India on September 17 1.
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis were the standout performers of the match, scoring 49* and 91 runs respectively 42.
Sri Lanka 252 for 8 beat Pakistan 252 for 7 by two wickets via DLS method.
In a dramatic turn of events, the hosts secured a nail-biting victory in the final over, successfully chasing down a formidable target of 252 in just 42 overs.
However, despite the heroic efforts of Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten with a valiant 86 runs, Pakistan’s hopes ultimately proved to be in vain.
This thrilling encounter perfectly exemplifies the concept of perplexity in sports narratives.
The fluctuating fortunes of both teams throughout the match added an element of complexity that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The ebb and flow of the game, with moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of tension, contributed to the overall perplexity of the cricketing spectacle.
Sri Lanka 252 for 8
| Players | Runs |
|---|---|
| Mendis | 91 |
| Asalanka | 49* |
| Ifthikar | 3-50 |
Pakistan 252 for 7
| Players | Runs |
|---|---|
| Rizwan | 86* |
| Shafique | 52 |
| Pathirana | 3-65 |
Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis excel in a frantic finish as Sri Lanka advances to the Asia Cup final.
In a thrilling contest brimming with captivating narratives, it was Charith Asalanka who emerged as the hero, leading Sri Lanka to a heart-pounding two-wicket victory over Pakistan in a final-ball thriller in Colombo.
With this remarkable triumph, Sri Lanka secured their spot in the 11th Asia Cup final, where they are set to clash with India on Sunday.
Asalanka, displaying nerves of steel, remained unbeaten on 49 runs from 47 deliveries to guide his team through a tense chase.
However, this win was built upon the solid foundations laid by Kusal Mendis, who crafted a sublime 91 from 87 balls, and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s resilient 48 off 51 deliveries.
The victory was a testament to Sri Lanka’s ability to withstand the pressure and capitalize on the contributions of their key players.
Throughout this enthralling encounter, the concept of perplexity was vividly illustrated. The game oscillated between moments of high tension and exhilaration, offering a multi-dimensional narrative that captivated spectators.
The twists and turns in the match added layers of complexity, keeping fans guessing until the very last ball.
Moreover, the concept of burstiness was on full display as the game unfolded. Sri Lanka’s pursuit of a DLS-adjusted target of 252 in a rain-shortened 42-over contest was punctuated by dynamic phases of play.
Mendis and Samarawickrama’s partnership, which yielded a crucial 100 runs for the third wicket, showcased the burstiness in their batting approach.
They expertly combined singles with timely boundaries, showcasing their adaptability and versatility.
Both Samarawickrama and Mendis were dismissed against the run of play, both by the brilliant Iftikhar Ahmed, who finished with figures of 3 for 50 in eight overs.
Samarawickrama came down the track and was stumped after missing an arm ball, while Mendis chipped a leading edge for Mohammed Haris to take a blinder at short extra cover, diving full length and grasping it millimetres off the ground.
Pakistan Vs SriLanka Highlights
Pakistan Vs SriLanka required 42 off 41 balls with six wickets in hand at this stage, and while Dasun Shanaka departed soon after, Dhananjaya de Silva kept Asalanka company as the demand was reduced to 12 off 12 deliveries with five wickets in hand at the start of the last over.
Enter Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had a dismal game up until that point – eight overs bowled, 48 runs surrendered, and no wickets taken.
Six balls later, Sri Lanka were seven down and another eight away with six balls remaining, as Afridi had Dhananjaya caught at long-on off a low full toss, and then Dunith Wellalage nick behind seeking to heave one across the line in the last over.
Enter Zaman Khan, a slinger whose debut had been nothing short of forgettable until this pivotal moment.
His first five overs had cost him 32 runs, and Captain Babar Azam had wisely held him back, reserving him for a situation precisely like this. Zaman had just conceded eight runs in his previous over, and now, in the final over of the chase, he had to defend eight runs to secure victory.
Zaman’s first ball allowed tailender Pramod Madushan to steal a single, but then came an astonishing twist.
Charith Asalanka managed an unexpected single off the third ball, putting Madushan on strike with six runs needed from the remaining three deliveries.
Pakistan had suddenly rekindled their hopes, and as an attempt to sneak a bye ended in a chaotic mix-up between Madushan and Asalanka, Madushan found himself run-out at the non-striker’s end.
Sri Lanka, already a batsman short due to Maheesh Theekshana’s hamstring injury in the field, now required six runs from just two balls, and Pakistan was in the ascendancy.
However, fate took a turn as Asalanka managed to edge a desperate swipe between the wicketkeeper and the short third man, resulting in a crucial four runs.
With two needed off the final delivery, and the possibility of a Super Over looming large, Asalanka deftly turned an attempted yorker behind square leg.
At this moment, the entire Premadasa Stadium, filled to the brim with anxious spectators, collectively breathed a sigh of relief as Sri Lanka secured the win they so desperately sought.
It was hardly the expected outcome as the day began with the question of whether there would be any play at all.
The start had been delayed by about two hours due to heavy rain, with Pakistan especially fearing more interference as just a win would suffice to qualify for the final.
When the rain returned midway through their innings, it proved to be the impetus for a nearly match-winning comeback.
But when Babar lost his footing to a ball that beat the bat off Wellalage, he was out for the fourth time in ODIs this year.
This slowed things down once again as Sri Lanka picked away at Pakistan’s vulnerable underbelly.
Shafique, on the other hand, hit his first ODI fifty before top-edging a pull off Matheesha Pathirana to deep square leg.
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But when Babar lost his footing to a ball that beat the bat off Wellalage, he was out for the fourth time in ODIs this year.
This slowed things down once again as Sri Lanka picked away at Pakistan’s vulnerable underbelly. Shafique, on the other hand, hit his first ODI fifty before top-edging a pull off Matheesha Pathirana to deep square leg.
Mohammad Rizwan was the only batsman who appeared to have some type of intent during this period, but he, too, escaped a couple of close calls that, if taken, would have drastically altered the course of the innings – and potentially the match.
The wickets continued to fall at the other end, with Pakistan at 130 for 5 in 27.4 overs when the rains intervened for the second time.
While the ground staff had been prepared with coverings for several overs, the umpires allowed play to continue through a light drizzle in the belief that it would be a passing shower.
This, however, quickly turned into a brief but intense downpour, soaking considerable portions of the ground – and crucially, the pitch.
Pakistan Vs Srilanka: While play resumed after only a 30-minute break, the effects of the brief deluge would be felt for the duration of the game.
Not only was the match cut to 42 overs per side, but so were the grip.
The final ten overs of Pakistan’s innings yielded 102 runs, with Rizwan finishing unbeaten on 86 from 73 balls.
With a strong 47 off 40, Iftikhar was the ideal supporting act on the opposite end. For the sixth wicket, the partnership put up 108 runs in 78 deliveries.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled, particularly with their star spinner Theekshana limping through his final set of overs with a hamstring strain
– he would later be sent for scans and be unavailable to bat – and Wellalage, who was unable to replicate his wicket-taking heroics against India. But, for once, it would be their batters who would come to their rescue.
