Cricket News
“That’s why they gained”: Babar Azam reveals the rationale behind Pakistan’s last-ball defeat towards Sri Lanka – Asia Cup 2023
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo witnessed an enthralling cricket conflict within the Asia Cup 2023 Tremendous 4s stage when Pakistan squared off towards Sri Lanka in a nail-biting encounter on Thursday (September 14). The match turned out to be a last-ball thriller and had followers on the fringe of their seats, with Sri Lanka managing to clinch a close 2-wicket victory via the DLS method.
With the win, Sri Lanka secured a berth within the Asia Cup 2023 last, the place they’ll meet India for the last word championship battle. Alternatively, Pakistan’s marketing campaign within the continental occasion ended, and so they had been left in disbelief.
Pakistan innings
Requested to bat first, the Pakistani innings was anchored by a stellar efficiency from Abdullah Shafique (52) and Mohammad Rizwan (86). Iftikhar Ahmed additionally joined the run-fest with 47 runs off 40 balls, powering Pakistan to a difficult whole of 252/7 of their allotted rain-reduced 42 overs. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana shone with the ball, bagging three essential wickets whereas conceding 65 runs in eight overs to place a examine on Pakistan’s scoring.
Sri Lanka Innings
The Sri Lankan chase was led by Kusal Mendis, who showcased his class with a match-winning knock of 91 runs off 87 balls, that includes eight fours and one six. Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama made beneficial contributions with 49 and 49 runs, respectively. Iftikhar emerged because the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three vital wickets whereas conceding 50 runs in eight overs.
Additionally WATCH: Pramod Madushan bamboozles Fakhar Zaman with a brilliant inswinging yorker during PAK vs SL – Asia Cup 2023
Sri Lanka safe last berth by two wickets (DLS Technique)
Nevertheless, in a match that swung forwards and backwards, Sri Lanka finally emerged victorious by two wickets, using the DLS Technique to their benefit. Mendis’ distinctive efficiency, each with the bat and within the discipline, earned him the ‘Participant of the Match’ award.
Babar Azam reveals the rationale behind last-ball loss
Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam make clear a number of causes that brought on his crew to overlook out on crusing into the summit conflict of Asia Cup 2023. The appropriate-handed batter highlighted how his facet lacked in fielding and bowling all through the sport. He even identified the Pakistan bowler’s lack of ability to strike within the center overs. In the meantime, Babar lauded Sri Lanka for his or her sensational efficiency, admitting that his crew was not on top of things.
“In the long run, we determined to bowl our greatest bowlers. That’s why I made a decision to bowl Shaheen the second final over after which we believed in Zaman Khan for the ultimate over. SL performed very well, they performed higher cricket than us, that’s why they gained. We weren’t on top of things with our bowling and fielding, that’s why we misplaced. (One main issue that would have been totally different) Within the center overs, we aren’t bowling properly. That partnership (between Mendis and Samarawickrama) value us. We’re beginning properly, we’re ending properly, however we aren’t taking wickets within the center overs,” stated Babar within the post-match presentation.