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SL vs PAK | Mendis' Fifty, Asalanka's Fighting Knock Help Sri Lanka Enter Asia Cup Final

image-lmji0914Kusal Mendis played a magnificent knock under pressure [AP]

Riding on a scintillating fifty from Kusal Mendis and an incredible 49*-run knock from Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets in the fifth Super Four fixture of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday. With this thrilling win, the Lankans entered the tournament's final, where they will take on India on Sunday. 


Rizwan, Iftikhar Go Berserk as Pakistan Post 252

After deciding to bat in this rain-curtailed face-off, Pakistan had a poor start to their innings, losing Fakhar Zaman to an absolute ripper from Pramod Madushan. In a bigger setback, skipper Babar Azam departed for a paltry 29, being unable to convert his start into a big score. 

Although Abdullah Shafique contributed handy 52 runs, Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz let Pakistan down, managing only three and twelve runs to their names.

image-lmjhsaclRizwan and Iftikhar stitched a fighting stand [AP]

However, the experienced duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed executed a commendable rescue act, stitching a priceless stand of 108 runs for the sixth wicket. While Rizwan hammered 86 runs off 73 balls, Iftikhar clobbered four boundaries and two massive sixes for his quick-fire 40-ball 47. 

Their valiant efforts powered Pakistan to a daunting 252 for seven in 42 overs. 


Mendis slams scintillating knock before ice-cool Asalanka finishes it for Sri Lanka

Chasing 252 (DLS), Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start, courtesy of Kusal Perera's breezy 17-run cameo. After the swashbuckling southpaw became the victim of Shadab Khan's fielding brilliance, Kusal Mendis joined hands with Pathum Nissanka to keep the scoreboard ticking. 

image-lmji0xm4Kusal Mendis in action [AP]

However, Shadab once again spoiled the party for Sri Lanka, getting rid of Nissanka in the 14th over. But his dismissal brought the in-form Sadeera Samarawickrama into the middle, who steadied the Lankan ship along with Mendis. The dynamic duo formed an exceptional 100-run stand for the third wicket, helping Sri Lanka get closer to the target. 

Sri Lanka had a mini collapse, thanks to incredible spells from Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi. However, Charith Asalanka held his nerves, scripting a memorable win for his side in the final delivery through a sensational 49*-run knock. 


Brief Scores

Pakistan: 252/7 (42)
Mohammad Rizwan 86* (73), Abdullah Shafique 52 (69);
Matheesha Pathirana 3/65, Pramod Madushan 2/58

Sri Lanka: 252/8 (42)
Kusal Mendis 91 (87), Charith Asalanka 49* (47);
Iftikhar Ahmed 3/50, Shaheen Afridi 2/52

Sri Lanka won by two wickets (DLS method).