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'Bhai itni bhi excitement bhi nahin laani thhi' - Fans react as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by close shave to reach Asia Cup 2023 final

In the second-last Super Four game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka and Pakistan locked horns. It was a virtual semifinal

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'Bhai itni bhi excitement bhi nahin laani thhi' - Fans react as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by close shave to reach Asia Cup 2023 final

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (Image Credit: Twitter/ Asia Cup)

In the second-last Super Four game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka and Pakistan locked horns. It was a virtual semifinal for both teams as the winner of this game was meant to play India in the final. Also, had the game ended as a no result, the Lankan Lions would have advanced. Meanwhile, in this game, the Green Brigade won the toss and batted first.

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It was a surprising decision, given the game was rain-impacted and the Duckworth Lewis Stern method was coming into play. It can be said that as they lost against India by 228 due to bowling first, the decision was driven by past failure rather than what was ahead. Meanwhile, the two-time winners had a poor start as they lost five wickets for 130 runs.

Abdullah Shafique (52) scored his maiden fifty in what was his fourth ODI game of his career. He was playing at the expense of Fakhar Zaman but the latter played due to a last-minute injury to Imam-ul Haq. Being plagued by the injuries to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf hurt them. Meanwhile, after the team was reduced to 130/5, rain ensured the teams got a forced break.

After this, batting became easy and Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed put together 108 runs in just 12.5 overs. In the end of 42 overs, the team reached 252/7 with Rizwan unbeaten on 86.

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Sri Lanka again breaks Pakistan's dream of playing the final

In reply, the defending champions had a good start but lost the wicket of Kusal Perera (17) via run out. The likes of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka put together 57 runs before the latter was caught and bowled by Shadab Khan. At 77/2, the likes of Mendis and in-form Sadeera Samarawickram put together 100 runs for the third wicket. This partnership meant that the platform was set for the home team to reach the final.

Sadeera scored 48 before being stumped by Rizwan. On the other hand, Kusal Mendis (91) missed out on a hundred for the second time this tournament. However, despite a collapse, Charitha Asalanka helped the team reach the target on the last ball and two wickets remaining.

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This is how Twitter reacted

Cricket News Sri Lanka Twitter Reactions Pakistan Asia Cup 2023