After losing to the reigning champions of Sri Lanka in a nail-biting final ball match on September 14 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was devastated to learn that his team had been eliminated from the Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the Lankan Lions easily advanced to the championship game, where they will play team India on September 17 at the same location in an effort to win the coveted trophy.
As only two runs were needed off the final ball, both teams played the game out to the very end. The Men in Green placed their faith in debutant Zaman Khan, who had just joined the team a few of nights prior, to lead their team to victory.
Babar Azam was observed having a lengthy conversation with the pacer before the final ball.
Charith Asalanka hooked Zaman’s slower length ball into the pads towards deep square leg to enable his team secure a spot in the championship game with one delivery remaining and a huge job to defend two runs.
Babar was seen flailing his arm in disappointment as he voiced his discontent with the delivery and the pitch arrangement given that there were no fielders on the leg side. Later, Zaman was also noticed on his knees, crying.
Go big, or go home 🇱🇰
Sri Lanka takes that spot in the finals as they end Pakistan’s journey in this tournament 💪🏼Watch #AsiaCup2023 only on #DisneyPlusHotstar, free on the mobile app.#PAKvSL #FreeMeinDekhteJaao #AsiaCupOnHotstar #Cricket pic.twitter.com/PFFTuwo2CO
— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) September 14, 2023
Notably, Charith Asalanka showed steely nerves and won the key game with an unblemished 49-point performance off of 47 total points. Kusal Mendis, a wicketkeeper-batsman, was named Player of the Match for his brash 91 off 87, which included eight fours and one maximum.
When Sri Lanka plays India next in the Asia Cup 2023 championship game, they will be attempting to defend their title. Before attending the final on September 15, Rohit Sharma and company play Bangladesh in the final Super Four match.
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