Sri Lanka finished with an all-win record in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Saturday. In their final league match they defeated Pakistan by five wickets with 18 balls remaining. This has been a dramatic turnaround for Sri Lanka after having begun the tournament with a loss to Afghanistan. Friday’s clash was tipped as a dress rehearsal to Sunday’s title showdown and Sri Lanka will have to maintain their good performance to make this victory count.
Pakistan failed to make enough dents into Sri Lanka’s batting when it mattered after being bowled out for 121 in 19.1 overs. Opener Pathum Nissanka top scored for Sri Lanka with 55 not out off 48 balls. It was mainly because of Nissanka that Sri Lanka overcame a shaky start on their way to victory.
Earlier, Pakistan batters struggled to get going after being put into bat on what was a tricky wicket. The lack of intent shown among the top-order batters was quite baffling. Mystery spinner Wanindu Hasaranga led Sri Lanka’s brilliant bowling effort with a three for 21, including two off successive balls, as the spinners dismissed six of the Pakistan batters.
The off-spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana (2/21) and Dhananjaya de Silva (1/18) were also at their tidy best. Man of the Match Hasaranga deceived Babar Azam with a slower one when the Pakistan skipper stepped out only to be cleaned up. Hasaranga also took two catches in the deep and hit the winning runs.
Brief scores: Pakistan 121 in 19.1 ovs (Md Nawaz 26, Babar Azam 30; Hasaranga 3/21). SL 124/5 in 17 ovs (Pathum Nissanka 55 n.o.). SL won by 5 wkts.
Pak turn to Hayden
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has re-hired former Australia batter Matthew Hayden as team mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Hayden expressed confidence that the Pakistan team, with its set of strong players, will light up the mega event, set to unfold next month Down Under.
Hayden had done a stint with the Pakistan team during last year’s T20 World Cup in UAE as well and saw Pakistan being beaten by Australia in the semi-finals. The PCB said that Hayden will join the side in Brisbane on October 15.
