 |
| file |
In a heart-pounding encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Sri Lanka secured a dramatic last-ball victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage. The win not only sent shockwaves through the cricketing world but also set the stage for an epic final showdown against India. Let's delve into the thrilling encounter and how Sri Lanka emerged victorious in this nail-biting contest.
The DLS Drama
Sri Lanka's chase was a mirror image of Pakistan's innings, with the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method coming into play due to rain interruptions. They were tasked with chasing exactly 252 runs in their 42 overs. Right from the start, it was evident that Sri Lanka intended to go all out to keep up with the required run rate.
The Kusal Connection
Kusal Perera provided the fireworks early on, signaling Sri Lanka's intent to attack and not let the asking rate spiral out of control. However, his dismissal, unfortunately due to a run-out, seemed to put Pakistan back in the driver's seat. Little did we know that another Kusal would step up to fill the void left by Perera.
Kusal Mendis took charge, continuing his remarkable form with a chanceless innings. He expertly rotated strike against good deliveries and dispatched the loose ones to the boundary. Pakistan's seamers lacked the cutting edge they needed, and their star bowlers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah's absence, was felt keenly. Shaheen Afridi, too, was not at his best early on. Despite some turn on offer for the spinners, Shadab Khan struggled, although he did manage to dismiss Nissanka.
The Mendis-Samarawickrama Stand
After Nissanka's departure, Mendis found an able partner in Sadeera Samarawickrama. The duo displayed the art of constructing an ODI chase. They rotated strike efficiently, minimized dot balls, played risk-free cricket, and kept the required rate in check. Samarawickrama, however, fell victim to a stumping, which seemed like a minor hiccup as Charith Asalanka seamlessly took over.
The Twist
Just when it looked like Sri Lanka was cruising, a twist in the tale occurred with Mendis's dismissal, courtesy of a stunning catch by Mohammad Haris. Sri Lanka, under pressure, found a way to make the game interesting. Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with crucial wickets, justifying Captain Babar's decision to persist with him. Shaheen Afridi, in the death overs, turned in a masterclass, making a remarkable comeback.
The Final Over Drama
Asalanka, however, continued to find boundaries at will, making it hard for Pakistan to stop him. But a four-run penultimate over from Shaheen, which saw him dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage, set the stage for a nerve-wracking final over.
Zaman Khan, making his ODI debut, was tasked with being the hero for Pakistan. He bowled valiantly, targeting yorkers with every delivery. With six runs needed off the last two balls, the tension was palpable. Pramod Madushan showcased outstanding presence of mind, sacrificing his wicket to ensure Asalanka was on strike. With two runs needed off the final ball, Asalanka's nonchalant flick behind square sent the Premadasa crowd into sheer euphoria.
Bedlam at the Premadasa
The Premadasa Stadium erupted in joy as Sri Lanka pulled off a remarkable last-ball victory. It was a game that had no business going down to the wire, but the fans witnessed a thrilling contest that will be remembered for years to come. Sri Lanka set up a final date with India, ensuring that the party in Sri Lanka would continue late into the morning.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka's victory over Pakistan in this virtual semi-final was nothing short of sensational. The dramatic last-ball win showcased the resilience and determination of the Sri Lankan team. Now, all eyes are on the Asia Cup final, where Sri Lanka will face India in a clash that promises to be another thrilling chapter in the history of this prestigious tournament. Cricket fans around the world can't wait to witness the battle between these two cricketing giants.
Records
This is only the second time a run-chase has been completed on the last ball in the ODI Asia Cup. (Other instance: India's 3-wicket win against Bangladesh at Dubai in the 2018 Asia Cup Final)
- Pakistan pacers in Asia Cup 2023
- First three matches: 68.3 overs, 24 wickets at 12.95, SR: 17.1, ER: 4.54
- Last two matches: 52.2 overs, 3 wickets at 116.33, SR: 104.6, ER: 6.66 (all three wickets to Shaheen Afridi)
- Closest margin of victory in ODI Asia Cup (by wickets):
- 1 wicket - PAK vs IND, Mirpur 2014
- 2 wickets - SL vs IND, Fatullah 2014
- 2 wickets - SL vs PAK, Colombo 2023*
- Highest successful chases by Sri Lanka in Asia Cup (ODIs)
- 265 v India, Fatullah 2014
- 261 vs Pakistan, Mirpur 2014
- 252 vs Pakistan, Colombo (RPS) 2023*
- 240 vs India, Colombo (RPS) 1997
- Most appearances in Asia Cup Finals (ODI+T20I)
- 12 - Sri Lanka
- 10 - India
- 5 - Pakistan
- 3 - Bangladesh
Thank you for visiting Cricketxpedia.com. We are committed to providing you with the latest updates and news articles. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.
© https://www.cricketxpedia.com/
