Asia Cup Super Four: Pakistan Triumphs Over Sri Lanka in Colombo Showdown

Asia Cup Super Four: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Timeline Showing newest first

• 25 minutes ago – 42-overs-a-side now
• 50 minutes ago – Nawaz, players march back
• 1 hour ago – Pathirana deadly with his variations
• 1 hour ago – Shafique: Fifty and out
• 1 hour ago – Wellalage’s legend grows
• 2 hours ago – #GoodForBatting
• 2 hours ago – Wellalage v Shafique
• 2 hours ago – Ian Bishop has spoken
• 3 hours ago – Magical Madushan
• 3 hours ago – Will Fakhar redeem himself?
• 3 hours ago – Pakistan do a U-turn
• 4 hours ago – First ball at 5.15pm local
• 4 hours ago – Update: Match conditions
• 5 hours ago – SL, ODI cricket, and ICC rankings
• 5 hours ago – Tackling rain – the Sri Lankan way
• 5 hours ago – Kumble, Maharoof, Mumtaz in conversation
• 6 hours ago – We have our first delay
• 6 hours ago – This is not the same Pakistan
• 6 hours ago – Welcome: all or nothing

42-overs-a-side now

Play has now been reduced to 42-overs-a-side due to the loss of three overs from each side. The innings change break has also been reduced to 20 minutes. The match will start at 8.10pm local time. This change in the playing conditions may have an impact on the strategies of both teams.

Nawaz, players march back

At the 27.4 overs mark, Nawaz is dismissed for 12 runs as Theekshana rattles his stumps. However, the players have to leave the field due to drizzling rain at 7.30pm local time. Despite a passing drizzle, the umpires attempt to remove the covers, but they have to be brought back again when the rain becomes heavier at 7.42pm local time. Pakistan are currently at 130/5 in 27.4 overs.

Pathirana deadly with his variations

Matheesha Pathirana proves to be a threat to the Pakistani batsmen with his deadly variations. He dismisses Shafique for a well-made 52 runs and catches Haris off a full and slow ball. Nawaz is sent in as the new batsman at No. 6. These wickets have put Pakistan under pressure, with the team currently at 108/4 in 22 overs.

Shafique: Fifty and out

Abdullah Shafique scores his maiden white-ball half-century but is dismissed soon after while attempting to pull a delivery from Pathirana. This disrupts a promising partnership and Rizwan comes in as the new batting partner. Pakistan‘s score stands at 100/3 in 22 overs.

Wellalage’s legend grows

Babar Azam, the Pakistani captain, is dismissed by young left-arm spinner Wellalage. The bowler gets a full ball to turn across Babar, who not only misses the connection but also overbalances, resulting in his stumping. Pakistan is now at 73/2 in 16 overs. Theekshana also adds to the pressure by bowling some challenging deliveries.

#GoodForBatting

Babar Azam and Shafique are batting steadily, offering low-risk and high-quality shots. The partnership between them is going smoothly at a run-rate of over six. Sri Lanka is struggling to put pressure on Pakistan. However, the match conditions and the possibility of rain affecting the game may influence the batting strategy. Pakistan‘s score is currently 72/1 in 15 overs.

Wellalage v Shafique

Dunith Wellalage challenges Abdullah Shafique with his exceptional bowling skills. Shafique survives a close call for an LBW shout, and he responds with a six, indicating his growing confidence. Babar Azam continues to score well, and the partnership between them is progressing steadily. Pakistan‘s score stands at 48/1 in 11 overs.

Ian Bishop has spoken

Trusted commentator Ian Bishop offers his insights and analysis on the ongoing match, lending his expertise to enhance the viewers’ understanding of the game.

Magical Madushan

Pramod Madushan impressively dismisses Fakhar Zaman with a sensational yorker. Zaman’s night with the bat is cut short as the ball swings into his toes, resulting in his stumps being destroyed. Babar Azam, the world’s No. 1 ODI batter, replaces Zaman. Pakistan‘s score is currently 13/1 after five overs.

Will Fakhar redeem himself?

Fakhar Zaman, who has been given a chance to regain the team management’s confidence, will be opening alongside Abdullah Shafique. Fakhar, who had a disappointing performance in the previous game, needs to prove himself in this crucial match. However, the weather is a concern, with cloudy skies but no rain for now.

Pakistan do a U-turn

Pakistan, who initially announced five changes to their XI, have had to make two more changes. Imam Ul Haq’s back spasm forces Fakhar Zaman to replace him, and Saud Shakeel falls ill and is replaced by Abdullah Shafique. Sri Lanka also makes two changes to their team, bringing in Pramod Madushan and Kusal Perera. The rearranged XIs will likely impact the match dynamics.

First ball at 5.15pm local.

The match is scheduled to start at 5:15 pm local time, with 45 overs per side. The powerplay overs are set at 9 overs, 27 overs, and 9 overs. The pitch conditions are similar to the previous Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game, where Sri Lanka scored 250 runs. The decision to bat or bowl first will be crucial, and Sri Lanka’s captain, Dasun Shanaka, may opt to field first.

Update: Match conditions

For a 20-overs-a-side game, play must start by 9:02 pm local time. This allows for the possibility of a full game today. However, any overs lost will be subtracted from 4:30 pm local time. Currently, the drizzle has eased up and some covers are being removed. The toss of the match may be delayed due to the rain.

SL, ODI cricket, and ICC rankings

Sri Lanka, despite being ranked No. 8 in the ICC ODI Rankings, are considered favorites against Pakistan in this match. The perception of their strength, despite a recent loss of form, raises questions about how they will fare in the upcoming ODI World Cup. The rankings alone suggest a poor finish for Sri Lanka. The fans’ opinions on their expected performance in the tournament range from being finalists/winners to finishing 9th-10th.

Tackling rain – the Sri Lankan way

With rain delaying the game and the toss, it’s worth noting Sri Lanka’s groundstaff reputation as the best in world cricket. Despite not using Super Soppers, they have effective strategies in dealing with rain and ensuring the game can proceed. Their techniques may be valuable in minimizing disruptions caused by the weather.

Kumble, Maharoof, Mumtaz in conversation

Prior to the delayed toss, Anil Kumble, Urooj Mumtaz, and Farveez Maharoof engage in a live conversation, providing insights and analysis on the match. Their perspectives enrich the viewing experience for cricket enthusiasts.

We have our first delay

The game faces its first delay as the toss is pushed back to 2:50 pm local time. With rain in the forecast for later, the match might be shortened. However, if there is a washout, Sri Lanka will qualify for the final based on their superior Net Run Rate (NRR).

This is not the same Pakistan

Pakistan‘s team for this match differs significantly from the one that played their first Asia Cup game. Concerns over injuries and form have led to five changes in the playing XI. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, appears to be more settled. This provides them with an opportunity to exploit Pakistan‘s vulnerabilities in various departments. The weather conditions are cloudy, and there has been some drizzle, which adds an additional challenge for both teams.

Welcome: all or nothing

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka is a knockout fixture, with the winner advancing to the final against India and the loser being eliminated from the Asia Cup. This high-stakes match will determine which players can handle the pressure and perform when it matters the most. The possibility of rain adds extra anticipation, and a washout would send Sri Lanka into the final due to their better Net Run Rate.