The Asia Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been shortened to 42 overs due to rain interruptions. Pakistan is currently 168/5 in 33 overs, and their attempts to set a competitive total have been hindered by Sri Lanka’s dismantling of their top order.
Key players such as Fakhar Zaman, skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris, and Mohammad Nawaz have all failed to make an impact, leaving Pakistan in a challenging position. Only Abdullah Shafique has shown some fight, but the responsibility now falls on Rizwan, Iftikhar, and the tail-enders to salvage Pakistan’s chances in the match.
In the 26th to 30th overs, Pakistan managed to score 13 runs off Pathirana’s eighth over, which included two boundaries, two wides, and three singles. However, Nawaz was dismissed on the fourth delivery of the 28th over, failing to judge the spin of the ball. Rain interruptions further disrupted play, and the match has been reduced to 42 overs. Pakistan’s total currently stands at 135 for the loss of five wickets.
During the 21st to 25th overs, Abdullah Shafique hit a six over the bowler’s head off Dhananjaya de Silva’s delivery. However, he was subsequently dismissed by Pathirana on the following over. Haris also fell victim to Pathirana’s bowling. Silva and Pathirana continued to keep the pressure on Pakistan, resulting in a score of 109 for the loss of four wickets after 25 overs.
In the 16th to 20th overs, Babar Azam was dismissed by Wellalage as the ball spun sharply. Wellalage continued his strong bowling performance, conceding only two runs in the 20th over. Pakistan’s total reached 88 for the loss of two wickets after 20 overs.
The initial overs saw a maiden over from Pramod Madushan, followed by a tight spell from Maheesh Theekshana. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Madushan in the third over, while Babar Azam hit a boundary in the fifth over. Pakistan’s score stood at 13 for the loss of one wicket after five overs.
The match has been affected by rain, with a 93% probability of rain and a 56% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day. The PCB has released a video showing the Pakistani cricketers’ determination despite the rain disruptions.
Pakistan will be playing without the injured Naseem Shah, but Fakhar Zaman has been included in the squad as a replacement. Zaman is a popular name in national cricket after his performances in the Pakistan Super League.
Pakistan side: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zaman Khan.
Sri Lanka side: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.