The Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka saw a solid partnership between captain Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique, after Fakhar Zaman was bowled out early with only four runs on the scoreboard.
Pakistan’s team is facing a challenging start to this virtual semi-final, as they are missing key players like Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah due to injury and illness. The early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman raised concerns about whether Pakistan would face a repeat of their performance against India or be able to post a competitive total against Sri Lanka.
The winner of this match will go on to face India in the final, while the losing team will see it as a wake-up call before the World Cup.
In the 15th over, Abdullah Shafique was trapped in front by Sri Lankan bowler Wellalage, and the decision was reviewed by the Sri Lankan captain. The review upheld the umpire’s call, as the ball had clipped Abdullah’s leg stump. However, Abdullah redeemed himself by hitting a six on the next delivery. The partnership between Babar and Abdullah looked strong as both batsmen looked comfortable.
Despite a challenging start, Pakistan’s tally reached 72/1 at the end of the 15th over.
In the next 5 overs (11-15), Matheesha Pathirana replaced Shanaka in the 12th over, and Pakistan scored eight runs off his over. Wellalage bowled a tight over, conceding only two runs in the 13th over. However, Pathirana went for 10 runs in the 14th over, with both batters hitting boundaries. The 50-run partnership between Babar and Abdullah was also achieved in the 14th over. Theekshana came back into the attack and conceded four runs in his third over. Pakistan’s tally reached 72/1.
In the previous 5 overs (6-10), Pramod Madushan bowled a maiden over, but Pakistan managed to score runs off his subsequent overs. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Madushan in the third over, but Babar Azam quickly started scoring boundaries. At the end of the 10th over, Pakistan’s total reached 40/1.
In the first 5 overs, Pramod Madushan bowled a maiden over, and Fakhar Zaman was fortunate to escape being dismissed as the ball fell short of the fielder. Pakistan’s score after 5 overs was 13/1.
The match was played in Colombo under the threat of rain, and there was a high chance of thunderstorms. A washed-out game would end Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign and send Sri Lanka straight into the final.
Pakistan’s hopes were dampened further with the absence of key players due to injury. However, young talent like Zaman Khan, who replaced Naseem Shah, had an opportunity to prove themselves.
Overall, Pakistan faced a challenging start but managed to build a steady partnership between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique. The outcome of this match will determine which team advances to the final against India.