Asia Cup: Rizwan, Iftikhar help Pakistan set 253-run target for Sri Lanka
Cricket
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the playing XI with five changes
COLOMBO (Dunya News) – A much-needed partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Pakistan set a challenging target of 253 runs for Sri Lanka in the rain-reduced match of Asia Cup at Colombo on Thursday.
The team green suffered early losses when Fakhar Zaman was bowled out for four runs as he attempted to player a defensive shot on a Yorker.
A major setback was served to Pakistan at final delivery of 16th over when Babar Azam got forward but missed while attempting to play a defensive stroke. The glovework by Kusal Mendis was tidy as Pakistan skipper was stumped out as he was short of the popping crease.
Abdullah Shafique, the opening batsman was caught out for 52 as Matheesha made impressive delivery. At the team when team was in trouble, Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 86 helped Pakistan to put score on board and recover from pressure.
After middle order players Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz dismissed for 3 and 12, respectively, Iftikhar came to the crease and played magical inning of 47 off 40, giving much-needed boost to the score. After his removal, Shadab Khan was quick to go as he was sent to pavilion for three.
Earlier Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Lanka. The match was reduced to 42 overs-a-side due to rain.=
The showers were forecast ahead of the match and they delayed the toss. Intermittent rain dampened spirits of Pakistan which lost its last match to India on the reserve day. The only way it could meet India in final was to beat Sri Lanka but downpour seems to have spoiled their chance at making it to the big day.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in a match that will decide that who will play final of Asia Cup 2023 with India.
Also Read: Pakistan 'grateful' for India wake-up call ahead of World Cup
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the playing XI for the Super Four match against Sri Lanka with five changes in the team. These changes have been made as three players suffered injuries in the match against India earlier this week.
Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz have been added to the team while Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha have been rested for the match.
Also Read: Pakistan, Sri Lanka or rain - who will play Asia Cup final with India?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka teams have two points each after playing two matches. The winning team will reach the final of the tournament and compete with India for the trophy.
Possibility of rain is being shown during the match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If the match cannot be played due to rain, both teams will get one point each leaving Pakistan out of the race for final.
