Sri Lanka are 96/2 at the end of 16th over in the crucial Super Fours match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023.
Summary Pakistan have their work cut out for them.
In a match with curtailed overs, they managed to put up a fighting total of 252, largely thanks to contributions from Abdullah Shafique, and later, Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed. Yet, instead of buckling under the pressure of what is undeniably a lofty target, the Sri Lankans have come out swinging. The batters are showing confidence, dispatching the ball to all corners of the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Despite losing an early wicket, Nissanka and Mendis are holding the fort. The Green Shirts are in dire need of a breakthrough to stem the flow of hemorrhaging runs if they harbour hopes of a rematch with India in the final.
Sri Lanka’s innings Overs 11-15 Nawaz conceded three runs in the 11th over from three singles as Pakistan tried to dry up the runs for the Lankan side. Shadab continued from the other end and gave five runs in the 12th over. Sri Lanka ticked around the score as they completed 70 runs.
A boundary came from Nawaz’s third as Mendis lofted the off spinner for a boundary over extra cover. Three singles from it ended the over with Nawaz giving 7 runs. Shadab dismissed Nissanka after he held onto a mistimed shot from the Lankan batter.
Shadab Khan (C) celebrates with Babar Azam (L) after taking wicket of Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (not in pictured) during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday. — AFP He was then pulled by Sadeera on the right handers first delivery in front of short midwicket. Two more singles came from the over to end the 14th over for six runs and a wicket. Nawaz’s fourth over ended the 15th for the Lankan innings at 89 for the loss of two wickets. A single from each ball ended the over giving away six runs.
Overs 6-10 Zaman came back strongly in his third over as the pacer gave only four runs in the sixth over. The pacer was trying to find his feet in his debut ODI. Shaheen was whipped through the midwicket as the pacer continued his fourth over.