With Sri Lanka winning by two wickets on the final ball of the game, the Super 4 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka proved to be a fun event for the spectators. After deciding to bat first, Pakistan amassed a respectable total of 252/7 in the rain-shortened 42-over match thanks to an outstanding performance by Mohammad Rizwan (86* off 73). Charith Asalanka (49* off 47) led his team home on the final ball of the game to help Sri Lanka successfully chase down the DLS amended mark of 252 in response.
However, if Pramod Madushan hadn’t used his foresight on the fourth ball of the final over, bowled by Zaman Khan, Asalanka wouldn’t have been able to end the game for his side.
With three wickets in hand and Sri Lanka needing six runs from the final three balls to win, Madushan miscued a full delivery outside off stump.
Charith Asalanka, who was eager to resume his strike, promptly left his crease and went for the run. However, Madushan didn’t move from his position in his crease until the wicketkeeper’s throw had passed the striker’s end. Commentators criticised the tailender because they were perplexed by his behaviour. To prevent a run out at the striker’s end and ensuring Charith Asalanka went in safely, the Sri Lankan seamer was astute in staying in his crease.
Asalanka finished the game successfully for Sri Lanka thanks to Madushan’s sacrifice, which enabled them to advance to the final. Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised Madushan for his awareness of the game.
Great game awareness from Pramod Madushan yesterday night. Did not leave the crease until Asalanka made it. Very impressive. @ashwinravi99 probably one of the finest at making good use of the rules would be v impressed . pic.twitter.com/5XxCbyVZXg
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 15, 2023
India and Sri Lanka will compete on September 17 in the final.
Along with Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (91 off 87) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48 off 51) both contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s successful chase. The tournament’s championship match will take place against India on September 17 at Colombo’s R.Premadasa Stadium.
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