Sri Lanka set up final clash with India; defeat Pakistan in Super Fours match

In the Asia Cup Cricket ODI, Sri Lanka stormed into the final for the 11th time, defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the Super Four match at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The co-hosts will face India on Sunday at the same venue.

In a game affected by rain from the word go, Sri Lanka chased down the target of 252 runs in the stipulated 42 overs. Kusal Mendis laid a solid foundation, top-scoring with 91 runs, while Sadeera Samarawickrama provided sound support with his 48.

Charith Asalanka remained not out with a quick 49 runs, sealing the game for Sri Lanka. The chase was well steered by the Sri Lankan batters as the asking rate was kept at around 6 an over for the entire innings. For Pakistan, Iftikhar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took 2 wickets.

Earlier, rain delayed the toss, and the match was reduced to 45 overs per side before a ball was bowled. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first. With another rain interruption, the match was further reduced to 42 overs per side.

Pakistan had initial hiccups, losing their first five wickets for 130 runs. Shafique scored his maiden fifty before Rizwan and Iftikhar built a 108-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rizwan was the highest scorer with 86 runs, while Iftikhar Ahmed scored 47 runs.

For Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana took 3 wickets, while the spin trio of Wellalage, Theekshana, and De Silva kept the Pakistani scoring under check. Kusal Mendis was declared the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, India will play Bangladesh in a dead rubber today before playing the final on Sunday.