Sri Lanka and Pakistan had one of the most thrilling encounters in Asia Cup history last night at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match was supposed to start at 3 PM on Thursday, but rain forced the organizers to delay the start. 8 overs had to be cut from each innings as well. Pakistan scored 252 runs in 42 overs, but Sri Lanka also got a target of 252.
Generally, in the game of cricket, the team that bats first posts a total on the board. And the team that bats second has to score at least one run more to win the match. However, in the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the target was the same total that the Men in Green scored in the first innings – 252.
The reason behind it is that the Pakistan cricket team started the innings, knowing that 45 overs will be bowled. However, the match was reduced to 42 overs. Hence, Pakistan scored 252 and then via D/L method, Sri Lanka got an adjusted target of 252 runs.
One extra run could have been handy for Pakistan in the match. If 3 runs were required off the final ball, Charith Asalanka could have tried for a big shot instead of a smart double on the leg-side.
“We decided to bowl our best bowlers”- Babar Azam comments on Pakistan failing to defend 252 against Sri Lanka
Pakistan have a ‘world-class’ bowling attack, but their bowling has let them down twice in the Asia Cup, leading to defeats against India and Sri Lanka. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pakistan captain Babar Azam reflected on the defeat and said:
“We decided to bowl our best bowlers – Shaheen to bowl the second last over and Zaman to bowl the final but things didn’t go in our way. Sri Lanka played better cricket and we haven’t been up to the mark in our bowling. In the middle overs, we are not bowling well. The partnership cost us. We are starting well and finishing well but in the middle overs, we are not up to the mark.”
Pakistan will now pack their bags and return home. On the other side, Sri Lanka will take on India in the final match of Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium.
