Colombo: Pakistan has given 253 runs to chase for Sri Lanka in a do and die match while Muhammad Rizwan tremendous innings of 86 runs not out brought back Pakistan into the match as its five players were sent to pavilions on just 130 runs.
Muhammad Rizwan and Iftakhar Ahmed marvelous partnership of 108 runs helped Pakistan scoring big target for Sri Lanka while Iftakhar remained little unfortunate as he bowled on 47.
Abdullah Shafique also played splendidly well as he scored his first half century of his career.
An important contribution of 47 off 40 balls ✨
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023
Well played, @IftiMania 👏#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/H9EePzmpzm
Earlier, Pakistan captain Baber Azam won the toss and elected to bat first.
Pakistan start was up to the mark as it’s top order top order again could not show up as Baber Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Harris, Muhammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan bowled out with out scoring big even they could not crossed 30 runs.
From Lankan tigers Matisha Pathirana remained best bowler by taking 3 wickets while Pramoud Madushan got two wickets. Besides, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage took one wicket each.
When match resumed after second rain disruption it was reduced to 42 overs.
Death overs blitz propel Pakistan to 2️⃣5️⃣2️⃣-7️⃣ ⚡
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023
Over to the bowlers after the innings break 🎯#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/5M5iIcFrXh
Till than Pakistan had made 130 runs off five wickets as its batting line up tumbled again. Only Abdullah Shafique could score 52 runs.
No any player even could cross 30 runs as Baber Azam 29, Fakhar Zaman 4, Muhammad Harris 3 and Muhammad Nawaz 12.
It is a do and die match for Pakistan and Sri Lanka both if Pakistan lost match or rain washed out the match then Sri Lanka will qualify for final owing to its good run rate.
➡️ Two changes to the playing XI announced last evening
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023
Saud Shakeel is out due to fever while Imam ul Haq has suffered a back spasm. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique come in the side.#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/G6mPP1snam
Pakistan lowered down its run rate after humiliating defeat against India by 228 runs.
