LAHORE: A dismal chase means Pakistan is no longer in the race for the Junior Asia Cup title.

Having bowled out the Sri Lankans for 147, Pakistan could only manage 125 before being all out in the final over of a low-scoring semi-final in Dubai on Thursday.

Sri Lanka will now face India for the title after the latter romped past Bangladesh by 103 runs in the other semi-final in Sharjah. Pakistan had won Pool ‘A’ while Bangladesh were the winners of Pool ‘B’.

Spinners Treveen Mathwew (4-31) and Dunith Wellalage (3-31) did the damage against Pakistan, with six of their batters failing to reach double figures.

Only top-order batter Mohammad Shahzad (30) and Ahmed Khan (36) lower down the order provided any semblance of resistance with Sri Lanka only conceding five extras in contrast to Pakistan’s 15.

Earlier, pacers Zeeshan Zameer (4-32), Ahmed Khan (2-26) and Awais Ali (2-27) bowled splendidly for Pakistan as they reduced Sri Lanka to 70-8.

But their last three batsmen got crucial runs with Yasiru Pathirana (31 not out) and Matheesha Pathirana (31) sharing a stand of 47 before Yasiru added another 30 with Treveen (12) to lift Sri Lanka to a total that proved beyond Pakistan’s reach.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2021