NEW DELHI: In a breathtaking last-ball thriller, Sri Lanka secured a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, earning them a spot in the final against India.
The game, which featured a revised DLS target of 252 in 42 overs due to rain, came down to the wire as Sri Lanka needed eight runs from the last over. Charith Asalanka's nerve of steel saw them through with a winning hit on the final ball, delighting the home crowd.
Kusal Mendis' impressive 91 and Sadeera Samarawickrama's 48 set up the victory with a crucial 100-run partnership for the third wicket. Although Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over, Asalanka held his ground and delivered when it mattered most.
Iftikhar Ahmed, with three crucial wickets, including Mendis and Samarawickrama, kept Pakistan in contention.
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 86 guided Pakistan to 252-7 after they had to bat first. Sri Lanka's bowlers had initially halted Pakistan's progress, but Rizwan and Iftikhar's 108-run partnership gave Pakistan hope.
Despite tense moments, Sri Lanka's Pramod Madushan and Matheesha Pathirana grabbed wickets. While Sri Lanka advanced to the final, the outcome dashed the hopes of millions of fans eagerly anticipating an India-Pakistan showdown in the 50-over tournament.
Like fans, former Pakistani cricketers were seen voicing their disappointment, while some were seemingly asking their players to hold their heads high despite the defeat. Here is how the former Pakistan cricketers reacted to the setback.
(With AFP inputs)
