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[Saba Sports News] The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo hosts a crucial Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka clash in the Asia Cup 2023, effectively a semi-final. The winner advances to face India in the final on Sunday.
Pakistan, opting to bat after winning the toss, recovered from a shaky position at 130/5, thanks to a dynamic partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed. However, Sri Lanka missed an opportunity to dismiss Iftikhar Ahmed when Maheesh Theekshana’s LBW appeal in the 35th over was denied by the umpire. Theekshana, frustrated, later saw the replay confirming it would have hit the leg stump.
Despite Sri Lanka’s strong position at 130/5 in the 28th over, a rain interruption led to a change in momentum. After the rain break, the match was reduced to 42 overs per side. Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed capitalized on a quicker pitch, forming a fantastic partnership of 108 runs in just 77 balls. Pakistan ended with 252/7 in their 42 overs, with Rizwan unbeaten on 86 off 73 balls.
Sri Lanka will be chasing a DLS revised target of 252 runs. Notably, Pakistan is without two star pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, so it’s a test for young bowlers like Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Zaman Khan under pressure.