CHRIS DHAMBARAGE
COLOMBO – Mohammad Rizwan hit a fighting unbeaten 86 to help Pakistan post a formidable 252 for seven in their rain-hit Asia Cup 50-Overs Cricket Tournament Super Four match against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
The match started as a 46-over contest after a wet outfield delayed the start of play by more than two hours with Pakistan electing to bat first after they had won the toss.
However, the match later turned into a 42-over affair following another rain-interruption when Pakistan had reached 130 for five in 27.4 overs.
After the resumption of play, Pakistan really accelerated the scoring rate with a terrific batting display as they collected as many as 102 runs from the last 10 overs of the innings.
Middle-order batsman Rizwan came to their rescue by stroking a superb 73-ball 86 inclusive of two sixes and six boundaries and added 108 runs for the sixth wicket along with Iftikhar Ahmed.
In fact, Iftikhar played a fine supporting role and struck a valuable 47 from 40 deliveries with the aid of two sixes and four boundaries, after Pakistan had slumped to 130 for five at one stage.
After the Duckworth Lewis Stern adjustment, a run was taken off Sri Lanka’s target and their target would also be 252 in 42 overs.
The winners of this match will qualify to play India in Sunday’s final at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan made two changes to their line-up as they left out Saud Shakeel and Imam ul Haq while bringing in Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.
Sri Lanka also made two changes to their side with paceman Pramodh Madushan coming in for Kasun Rajitha and Kusal Perera coming in for the out-of-form opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne.
Chief scores
Pakistan: 252/7 in 42 overs (Abdullah Shafique 52, Babar Azam 29, Mohammad Rizwan 86 n.o, Iftikhar Ahmed 47, Pramod Madushan 2/58, Matheesha Pathirana 3/65) v Sri Lanka.
