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Scintillating Sri Lanka crowned Asian champions for 6th time as profligate Pakistan collapse at final hurdle

Horror start to chase and laborious batting in middle overs causes Green Shirts' downfall; earlier, defensive captaincy had allowed Sri Lanka to post 171.
Dawn.com Published September 11, 2022

A horror start to their run chase and laborious batting in the middle overs consigned Pakistan to a 23-run defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The Green Shirts had a brilliant start to their evening, having won the all-important toss and deciding to field first — a trick that had worked for them every single time in the tournament until tonight.

Their pace attack featuring Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf gave them a dream start and at one point it had seemed as if Sri Lanka would even be able to bat out their full overs. However, after the first 10 overs, Pakistan captain Babar Azam surprisingly opted for a defensive approach, allowing Sri Lanka to make an almost miraculous recovery to finish with 170-6.

In reply, Babar Azam failed for the sixth straight time in the tournament and Fakhar Zaman was castled on a golden duck. That forced the pairing of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed to bat conservatively — a job they probably did for longer than required.

As the required run rate soared to 12, Pakistan batters took their chances but their gambles failed miserably as Sri Lankans did not allow them an inch and did not put a foot wrong.

In the end, an astonishing collapse saw Pakistan fold for 147 as Sri Lanka were crowned champions for the sixth time.

End of live thread

Sri Lanka have won the final by 23 runs.

147-10 after 20 overs: Karunaratne to Rauf, OUT BOWLED.

147-9 after 19.5 overs: Karunaratne to Rauf, 6 runs.

141-9 after 19.4 overs: Karunaratne to Rauf, no run.

141-9 after 19.3 overs: Karunaratne to Hasnain, 1 run.

140-9 after 19.2 overs: Karunaratne to Rauf, 1 run.

139-9 after 19.1 overs: Karunaratne to Rauf, no run.

Mohammad Hasnain 7 (3), Haris Rauf 6 (4)

139-9 after 19 overs: Madushan to Rauf, 6 runs.

133-9 after 18.5 overs: Madushan to Rauf, 1 run.

132-9 after 18.5 overs: Madushan to Rauf, 1 run, wide.

131-9 after 18.5 overs: Madushan to Rauf, 5 runs, free hit.

126-9 after 18.4 overs: Madushan to Hasnain, 1 run.

125-9 after 18.3 overs: Madushan to Hasnain, no run.

125-9 after 18.2 overs: Madushan to Naseem (4), OUT CAUGHT.

125-8 after 18.1 overs: Madushan to Naseem, 4 runs.

121-8 after 18.1 overs: Madushan to Naseem, 1 run, wide.

Haris Rauf 1 (2)

120-8 after 18 overs: Theekshana to Shadab (8), OUT CAUGHT.

120-7 after 17.5 overs: Theekshana to Shadab, 2 runs.

118-7 after 17.4 overs: Theekshana to Rauf, 1 run.

117-7 after 17.3 overs: Theekshana to Shadab, 1 run.

116-7 after 17.2 overs: Theekshana to Shadab, no run.

116-7 after 17.1 overs: Theekshana to Shadab, 4 runs.

Haris Rauf 0 (1), Shadab Khan 1 (1)

112-7 after 17 overs: de Silva to Rauf, no run.

112-7 after 16.5 overs: de Silva to Khushdil (2), OUT CAUGHT.

112-6 after 16.4 overs: de Silva to Shadab, 1 run.

111-6 after 16.3 overs: de Silva to Asif (0), OUT BOWLED.

111-5 after 16.2 overs: de Silva to Khushdil, 1 run.

110-5 after 16.1 overs: de Silva to Rizwan (55), OUT CAUGHT.

Mohammad Rizwan 55 (48), Khushdil Shah 1 (2)

110-4 after 16 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

109-4 after 15.5 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 6 runs.

103-4 after 15.4 overs: Karunaratne to Khushdil, 1 run.

102-4 after 15.3 overs: Karunaratne to Khushdil, no run.

102-4 after 15.2 overs: Karunaratne to Nawaz (6), OUT CAUGHT.

102-3 after 15.1 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

Mohammad Nawaz 6 (8), Mohammad Rizwan 47 (45)

101-3 after 15 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, no run.

101-3 after 14.5 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, no run.

101-3 after 14.4 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, no run.

101-3 after 14.3 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, no run.

101-3 after 14.2 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, 2 runs.

99-3 after 14.1 overs: Dhananjaya to Nawaz, 2 runs.

Mohammad Nawaz 2 (2), Mohammad Rizwan 47 (45)

97-3 after 14 overs: Madushan to Nawaz, 1 run.

96-3 after 13.5 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, 1 run.

95-3 after 13.4 overs: Madushan to Nawaz, 1 run.

94-3 after 13.3 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, 1 run.

Comment: With just three runs and no boundaries in the previous over, Iftikhar had to take the risk. He takes it but it doesn’t pay off as he holes out at deep backward square leg.

93-3 after 13.2 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar (33), OUT CAUGHT.

93-2 after 13.2 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, 1 run, wide.

92-2 after 13.1 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, 1 run.

Iftikhar Ahmed 32 (30), Mohammad Rizwan 44 (42)

Comment: Theekshana erases the damage done in the previous over by giving away just three runs as require rate jumps up again.

91-2 after 13 overs: Theekshana to Iftikhar, no run.

91-2 after 12.5 overs: Theekshana to Iftikhar, no run.

91-2 after 12.4 overs: Theekshana to Iftikhar, no run.

91-2 after 12.3 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 1 run.

90-2 after 12.2 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, no run.

90-2 after 12.1 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 2 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan 41 (39), Iftikhar Ahmed 32 (27)

88-2 after 12 overs: de Silva to Rizwan, 1 run.

87-2 after 11.5 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 1 run.

86-2 after 11.4 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 2 runs.

84-2 after 11.3 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 4 runs.

80-2 after 11.2 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 6 runs.

74-2 after 11.1 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, no run.

Mohammad Rizwan 40 (38), Iftikhar Ahmed 19 (22)

74-2 after 11 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 2 runs.

72-2 after 10.5 overs: Karunaratne to Iftikhar, 1 run.

71-2 after 10.4 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

70-2 after 10.3 overs: Karunaratne to Iftikhar, 1 run.

69-2 after 10.2 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

68-2 after 10.1 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, no run.

Cricket fans react as they watch the live telecast of the Asia Cup Twenty20 final match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dubai, on a big screen in Islamabad on September 11. — AFP
Cricket fans react as they watch the live telecast of the Asia Cup Twenty20 final match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dubai, on a big screen in Islamabad on September 11. — AFP

Iftikhar Ahmed 17 (20), Mohammad Rizwan 36 (34)

Comment: Rizwan survives an lbw review against Hasaranga. No boundaries this over though as Pakistan pair pick up five singles.

68-2 after 10 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, no run.

68-2 after 9.5 overs: de Silva to Rizwan, 1 run.

67-2 after 9.4 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 1 run.

66-2 after 9.3 overs: de Silva to Rizwan, 1 run.

65-2 after 9.2 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 1 run.

64-2 after 9.1 overs: de Silva to Rizwan, 1 run.

Mohammad Rizwan 33 (31), Iftikhar Ahmed 15 (17)

Comment: Rizwan plays a late cut off Theekshana to again find an early boundary and then risk is avoided for the rest of the over. Once again, 10 off it.

The plan appears to be to find a risk-free boundary early and surround it with singles and doubles to get 10 every over.

63-2 after 9 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 1 run.

62-2 after 8.5 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 2 runs.

60-2 after 8.4 overs: Theekshana to Iftikhar, 1 run.

59-2 after 8.3 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 1 run.

58-2 after 8.2 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 4 runs.

54-2 after 8.1 overs: Theekshana to Iftikhar, 1 run

Iftikhar Ahmed 13 (15), Mohammad Rizwan 25 (27)

Comment: A pulled four off the first ball relieves some pressure and that also sees Rizwan and Iftikhar avoid risks for the rest of the over. Ten off it.

53-2 after 8 overs: Karunaratne to Iftikhar, 1 run.

52-2 after 7.5 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

51-2 after 7.4 overs: Karunaratne to Iftikhar, 1 run.

50-2 after 7.3 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 1 run.

49-2 after 7.2 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 2 runs.

47-2 after 7.1 overs: Karunaratne to Rizwan, 4 runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed 11 (13), Mohammad Rizwan 17 (23)

43-2 after 7 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, no run.

43-2 after 6.5 overs: de Silva to Rizwan, 1 run.

42-2 after 6.4 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 1 run.

41-2 after 6.3 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, no run.

Comment: Iftikhar finds a much-needed boundary off of Hasaranga but he will have to get plenty more of those if this match is to go down to the wire.

41-2 after 6.2 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, 4 runs.

37-2 after 6.1 overs: de Silva to Iftikhar, no run

Iftikhar Ahmed 6 (8), Mohammad Rizwan 16 (22)

37-2 after 6 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, 1 run.

36-2 after 5.5 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, 1 run.

35-2 after 5.4 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, 1 run.

34-2 after 5.3 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, no run.

34-2 after 5.2 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, 2 runs.

32-2 after 5.1 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, no run.

Mohammad Rizwan 15 (22), Iftikhar Ahmed 2 (2)

32-2 after 5 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, 4 runs.

28-2 after 4.5 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

28-2 after 4.4 overs: Madushanka to Iftikhar, 1 run.

27-2 after 4.3 overs: Madushanka to Iftikhar, no run.

27-2 after 4.2 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run.

26-2 after 4.1 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, 2 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan 8 (17), Iftikhar Ahmed 1 (1)

Comment: Run chase in tatters as Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman vanish on back-to-back balls of the fourth over bowled by Pramod Madushan.

24-2 after 4 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, 1 run.

23-2 after 3.5 overs: Madushan to Rizwan, no run.

22-2 after 3.4 overs: Madushan to Iftikhar, 1 run.

22-2 after 3.3 overs: Madushan to Zaman (0), OUT BOWLED.

22-1 after 3.2 overs: Madushan to Azam (5), OUT CAUGHT.

22-0 after 3.1 overs: Madushan to Azam, 2 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan 7 (15), Babar Azam 3 (4)

Comment: Rizwan finds the first boundary of Pakistan’s innings and had more opportunities later but can only find the fielders on the off side.

20-0 after 3 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

20-0 after 2.5 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

20-0 after 2.4 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

20-0 after 2.3 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

20-0 after 2.2 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, 4 runs.

16-0 after 2.1 overs: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

Babar Azam 3 (4), Mohammad Rizwan 3 (9)

16-0 after 2 overs: Theekshana to Azam, 2 runs.

14-0 after 1.5 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 1 run.

13-0 after 1.4 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, no run.

13-0 after 1.3 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, no run.

13-0 after 1.2 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, no run.

13-0 after 1.2 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, 1 run, wide.

12-0 after 1.1 overs: Theekshana to Rizwan, no run.

Mohammad Rizwan 2 (4), Babar Azam 1 (3)

12-0 after 1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run.

11-0 after 0.5 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, no run.

11-0 after 0.4 over: Madushanka to Azam, 1 run.

10-0 after 0.3 over: Madushanka to Azam, no run.

10-0 after 0.2 over: Madushanka to Azam, no run.

10-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run.

Comment: Incredible start to the Pakistan innings as Dilshan Madushanka bowls a barrage of wides and gives away 9 runs in extras before bowling his first legal delivery. He is finding early swing just as Pakistan pacers had, which should keep Babar and Rizwan honest.

9-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run, wide.

8-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 5 runs, wide.

3-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run, wide.

2-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run, wide.

1-0 after 0.1 over: Madushanka to Rizwan, 1 run, free hit.

Story at the break: Shadab Khan’s twin acts of horrible fielding were the main talking points as Pakistan threw away a brilliant start provided by their pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf to allow Sri Lanka to post a total of 170 runs for 6 wickets.

The Green Shirts dominated the first 10 overs and had Sri Lanka reeling at 67-5 at the halfway mark but then appeared to take their foot off the pedal as Sri Lanka staged a brilliant fightback. The chief architect of their comeback was Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who scored a half century under massive pressure and formed a valuable 58-run partnership with Wanindu Hasaranga for the sixth wicket.

Shadab, who was hit on the head while fielding earlier in the innings, dropped one and made Asif Ali drop another as he had a rare evening to forget in the field.

End of Sri Lanka innings

Bhanuka Rajapaksa 71(45), Chamika Karunaratne 14 (14)

170-6 after 20 overs: Naseem to Rajapakse, 6 runs

164-6 after 19.5 overs: Naseem to Rajapakse, 4 runs

160-6 after 19.4 overs: Naseem to Rajapakse, 0 run

160-6 after 19.3 overs: Naseem to Rajapakse, 2 runs

158-6 after 19.2 overs: Naseem to Rajapakse, 2 runs

156-6 after 19.1 overs: Naseem to Karunaratne , 1 run

Comment: Shadab pulls a Fakhar Zaman. He swoops in for what was supposed to be a simple Asif Ali catch. Neither man caught the ball, which sailed over the boundary line somehow.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa 57(40), Chamika Karunaratne 13 (13)

155-6 after 19 overs: Hasnain to Rajapakse, 6 run

149-6 after 18.5 overs: Hasnain to Rajapakse, 0 run

149-6 after 18.4 overs: Hasnain to Rajapakse, 0 run

149-6 after 18.3 overs: Hasnain to Rajapakse, 0 run

149-6 after 18.2 overs: Hasnain to Karunaratne, 1 run

148-6 after 18.1 overs: Hasnain to Rajapakse, 1 run

Chamika Karunaratne 12 (12), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 50(35)

147-6 after 18 overs: Rauf to Rajapakse, 1 run

146-6 after 17.5 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 1 run

145-6 after 17.4 overs: Rauf to Rajapakse, 3 runs (dropped catch)

142-6 after 17.3 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 1 run

141-6 after 17.2 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 4 runs

137-6 after 17.1 overs: Rauf to Rajapakse, 1 run

Comment: Big over for Sri Lanka as Naseem is hit for two sixes — one each by Rajapaksa and Karunaratne.

Chamika Karunaratne 10 (9), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 45 (32)

136-6 after 17 overs: Naseem to Karunaratne, 6 runs

130-6 after 16.5 overs: Naseem to Rajapaksa, 1 run

129-6 after 16.4 overs: Naseem to Rajapaksa, 6 runs

123-6 after 16.3 overs: Naseem to Karunaratne, 1 run

122-6 after 16.2 overs: Naseem to Rajapaksa, 1 run

121-6 after 16.1 overs: Naseem to Karunaratne, 1 run

Comment: Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan’s best bowler of the tournament, gets to bowl his first over in the 16th over of the innings. He gives away just three.

Chamika Karunaratne 3(6), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 38 (31)

120-6 after 16 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 1 run

119-6 after 15.5 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 0 run

119-6 after 15.4 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 1 run

118-6 after 15.3 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 1 run

117-6 after 15.2 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 0 run

117-6 after 15.1 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 0 run

Finally! Nawaz is brought into the attack

Comment: Haris Rauf is brought back into the attack and he doesn’t disappoint again. After being slapped for back-to-back boundaries, he makes Hasaranga nick one back to Rizwan as Sri Lanka lose 6th wicket.

Chamika Karunaratne 1(1), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 37 (28)

118-6 after 15 overs: Rauf to Karunaratne, 1 run

116-6 after 14.5 overs: Rauf to Hasaranga de Silva (36), OUT (CAUGHT)

116-5 after 14.4 overs: Rauf to Hasaranga de Silva, 4 runs

112-5 after 14.3 overs: Rauf to Hasaranga de Silva, 4 runs

108-5 after 14.2 overs: Rauf to Hasaranga de Silva, 2 runs

106-5 after 14.1 overs: Rauf to Hasaranga de Silva, 0 run

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 26 (16), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 37 (28)

106-5 after 14 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run (leg bye)

105-5 after 13.5 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 0 run

105-5 after 13.4 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 0 run

105-5 after 13.3 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run

104-5 after 13.2 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 4 runs

100-5 after 13.1 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

Comment: As spin’s effect was fading, Hasnain is reintroduced into the attack. He goes finding yorkers, doesn’t find them and is hit for a four at deep extra cover by Hasaranga, who also finds a six later in the over. 14 off it as Sri Lanka threaten to stage a batting comeback.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 25 (12), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 32 (26)

99-5 after 13 overs: Hasnain to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

98-5 after 12.5 overs: Hasnain to Hasaranga de Silva, 6 runs

92-5 after 12.4 overs: Hasnain to Hasaranga de Silva, 2 runs

90-5 after 12.3 overs: Hasnain to Hasaranga de Silva, 4 runs

86-5 after 12.2 overs: Hasnain to Hasaranga de Silva, 0 run

86-5 after 12.1 overs: Hasnain to Rajapaksa, 1 run

Comment: The pairing of Rajapaksa and Hasaranga are now finding regular boundaries and might force Babar to rethink his plan a little.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 12 (7), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 31 (25)

85-5 after 12 overs: iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 run

84-5 after 11.5 overs: iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 4 runs

80-5 after 11.4 overs: iftikhar to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

79-5 after 11.3 overs: iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 run

78-5 after 11.2 overs: iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 0 run

78-5 after 11.1 overs: iftikhar to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

Comment: Rajapaksa takes a chances on Shadab and finds a much-needed boundary. He’d have to stick around till the end of the innings if this final is to become competitive. Hasaranga also finds a boundary later in the over. 10 off it.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 10 (5), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 25 (21)

77-5 after 11 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 0 run

77-5 after 10.5 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

76-5 after 10.4 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 4 runs

72-5 after 10.3 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run

71-5 after 10.2 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 4 runs

67-5 after 10.1 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 0 run

Comment: Wicket in his first over and presence of Rajapaksa mean that Iftikhar gets another over. He nearly gets another caught and bowled opportunity but the ball falls short. Just 5 off the over.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 5 (3), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 20 (17)

67-5 after 10 overs: Iftikhar to Hasaranga de Silva, 0 run

67-5 after 9.5 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 run

66-5 after 9.4 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 0 run

66-5 after 9.3 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 2 runs

64-5 after 9.2 overs: Iftikhar to Hasaranga de Silva, 1 run

63-5 after 9.1 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 run

Comment: Shanaka with a no nothing shot. He tries to slog, misses it completely and lets Shadab disturbs his stumps. With Lanka five down, Pakistan are now well and truly on top. The last ball goes for a four but it doesn’t matter much in the larger scheme of things.

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 4 (1), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 16 (13)

62-5 after 9 overs: Shadab to Hasaranga de Silva, 4 runs.

58-5 after 8.5 overs: Shadab to Shanaka (2), OUT (BOWLED).

58-4 after 8.4 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run.

58-4 after 8.3 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 0 run.

57-4 after 8.2 overs: Shadab to Shanaka, 1 run.

56-4 after 8.1 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run.

Comment: With lefty Rajapaksa at the crease, Babar takes a gamble and tosses the ball to Iftikhar, who hadn’t bowled a single over in the entire tournament until this point. The gamble pays off but for the plan that never was. Righty Dhananjaya smacks one straight back to Iftikhar who holds on.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa 14 (10), Dasun Shanaka 1 (1)

55-4 after 8 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 run.

54-4 after 7.5 overs: Iftikhar to Shanaka, 1 run.

53-4 after 7.4 overs: Iftikhar to de Silva (28), OUT (CAUGHT)

52-3 after 7.3 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 1 runs

52-3 after 7.2 overs: Iftikhar to Rajapaksa, 4 runs

48-3 after 7.1 overs: Iftikhar to Dhananjaya, 1 run

Dhananjaya de Silva 27 (19), Rajapaksa 8 (7)

Comment: Spin introduced for the first time as Shadab gives away just five singles in his opening over.

47-3 after 7 overs: Shadab to Dhananjaya, 1 run

46-3 after 6.5 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 0 run

46-3 after 6.4 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run

45-3 after 6.3 overs: Shadab to de Silva, 1 run

44-3 after 6.2 overs: Shadab to Rajapaksa, 1 run

43-3 after 6.1 overs: Shadab to de Silva, 1 run

Comment: Superb over by Haris Rauf. He castles Gunathilaka with a fast and swinging delivery and produces an edge off Rajapaksa off his very first ball. Later in the over he hits Rajapaksa on the pads and makes his captain take a review but doesn’t get the decision he wanted. Shadab seems alright and is being his usual live wire self in the field.

Dhananjaya de Silva 24 (15), Danushka Gunathilaka 6 (5)

42-3 after 6 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 2 runs

40-3 after 5.5 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 0 run (Review for LBW) - Not out

40-3 after 5.4 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 0 run.

40-3 after 5.3 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 0 run.

40-3 after 5.2 overs: Rauf to Rajapaksa, 4 runs.

36-3 after 5.1 overs: Rauf to Gunathilaka (1), OUT (BOWLED).

Comment: Hasnain is re-introduced from the other end but delivers another unremarkable over and concedes eight, including a boundary. Shadab slips and cops a throw on his head while backing up and requires some medical attention.

Dhananjaya de Silva 24 (15), Danushka Gunathilaka 1 (3)

36-2 after 5 overs: Hasnain to Gunathilaka, 1 run.

35-2 after 4.5 overs: Hasnain to Gunathilaka, 0 run.

35-2 after 4.4 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, 1 run.

34-2 after 4.3 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, 4 runs.

30-2 after 4.2 overs: Hasnain to Gunathilaka, 1 run (bye).

29-2 after 4.1 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, 1 run.

Comment: Haris Rauf does what he does best, picks up a wicket almost instantly and on order in his first over. Nissanka tries to slog him but only finds Babar at mid-off. He also finds a bit of outswing. A good over is marred by a penultimate-ball boundary though.

Dhananjaya de Silva 13 (8), Pathum Nissanka 8 (9)

28-2 after 4 overs: Rauf to de Silva, 1 run.

27-2 after 3.5 overs: Rauf to de Silva, 4 runs.

23-2 after 3.4 overs: Rauf to de Silva, 0 run.

23-2 after 3.3 overs: Rauf to de Silva, 0 run.

23-2 after 3.2 overs: Rauf to Nissanka (8), OUT (CAUGHT).

23-1 after 3.1 overs: Rauf to Nissanka, 0 run.

Dhananjaya de Silva 18 (10), Gunathilaka 0 (0)

23-1 after 3 overs: Naseem to Nissanka, 1 run.

22-1 after 2.5 overs: Naseem to de Silva, 1 run.

21-1 after 2.4 overs: Naseem to Nissanka, 1 run.

20-1 after 2.3 overs: Naseem to Nissanka, 4 runs.

16-1 after 2.2 overs: Naseem to Nissanka, 0 run.

16-1 after 2.1 overs: Naseem to Nissanka, 0 run.

Comment: While Naseem found plenty of inswing in the opening over, Hasnain went for the outswing in his opening over, but struggled to get the line right and got smacked for two boundaries through the off side.

Dhananjaya de Silva 12 (7), Pathum Nissanka 2 (4)

Comment: While Naseem found plenty of inswing in the opening over, Hasnain went for the outswing in his opening over, but struggled to get the line right and got smacked for two boundaries through the off side.

16-1 after 2 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, 2 runs.

14-1 after 1.5 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, 4 run.

10-1 after 1.4 overs: Hasnain to de Silva, wide, 1 run.

9-1 after 1.3 overs: Hasnain to de Silva , 4 runs.

5-1 after 1.2 overs: Hasnain to Nissanka, 1 run.

4-1 after 1.1 overs: Hasnain to Nissanka, 0 run.

Dhananjaya de Silva 2 (3), Pathum Nissanka 1 (2)

4-1 after 1 over: Naseem to de Silva, 2 runs.

2-1 after 0.5 over: Naseem to de Silva, 0 run.

2-1 after 0.4 over: Naseem to de Silva, 0 run.

2-1 after 0.3 over: Naseem to Mendis (0), OUT (BOWLED)!

2-0 after 0.2 over: Naseem to Nissanka, 1 run.

1-0 after 0.1 over: Naseem to Nissanka, 0 run.

Comment: Naseem Shah starts with a big wide but castles Kusal Mendis with a huge inswinger later in the over. The young tearaway is bowling fast and finding movement, which spells trouble for Lankan top order.

1-0 after 0.0 over: Naseem to Nissanka, wide, 1 run.

6:54pm: It’s time for the national anthems

6:51pm: Pakistan are the betting favourites (odds courtesy Parimatch).

Comment: Such has been the advantage of batting second that some Pakistan fans may have already started celebrating after Babar Azam won the toss. It’s a huge boost but keep in mind that the entire match is still to be played.

6:35pm: The line-ups are in:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka.

6:30pm: Pakistan have won the toss and chosen to bowl first.

6:20pm: Five talking points ahead of the Pak vs SL Asia Cup 2022 final

6:15pm: Pakistan look to rebound in Asia Cup final.

6:10pm: Check out what Sri Lanka have to say about taking on Pakistan in the final.

6pm: This is the start of Dawn.com’s live thread for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup final.

Comments (176) Closed
Pakman
Sep 11, 2022 06:39pm
Steady as she goes!!!! Good luck Pakistan
Recommend 0
Ganesh Sharma
Sep 11, 2022 06:50pm
If toss wins, match wins..
Recommend 0
Ganesh Sharma
Sep 11, 2022 06:50pm
Congratulations Pakistan for winning 2022 Asia cup..
Recommend 0
Aly
Sep 11, 2022 06:51pm
Looking forward to a good game of cricket and of course would love a win here.
Recommend 0
Vivaldi
Sep 11, 2022 06:57pm
May the most crisis ridden nation win.
Recommend 0
Asif
Sep 11, 2022 06:58pm
First mistake.
Recommend 0
Taj Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 07:01pm
Pakistan chances to win 70% and Sri Lanka 30%, Pakistan bowling attack must stronger than SL. Let’s have a good game.
Recommend 0
Kris
Sep 11, 2022 07:02pm
Congrats Pakistan on your 3rd Asia Cup victory. You won the toss...you won the match.
Recommend 0
Shahid
Sep 11, 2022 07:28pm
Bad selection to play Hasnain and not Dahani.
Recommend 0
Faraz Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 07:41pm
Sports⚽
Recommend 0
TTA is responsible for TTP
Sep 11, 2022 07:47pm
We already won by sending India home.... Rest is bonus Cherry on the top.
Recommend 0
ShadowLugia
Sep 11, 2022 07:50pm
Fixed match
Recommend 0
ShadowLugia
Sep 11, 2022 07:51pm
Tussle between two IMF loan seekers.
Recommend 0
Rajapaksa
Sep 11, 2022 08:05pm
Win toss — Win match — that is the only formula in Dubai and Sharjah What a useless Asia cup — meaningless given the predictable match results based on toss results
Recommend 0
Zak
Sep 11, 2022 08:40pm
Pakistan will win, but we support Sri Lanka, second as a brother country.
Recommend 0
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Sep 11, 2022 08:47pm
Fielding has not been up to the mark. Shadad and Rizwan both talking more and doing less. Rizwan has had a poor tournament with the gloves.
Recommend 0
Abbas shah
Sep 11, 2022 08:48pm
Hope &pray for good news today.
Recommend 0
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Sep 11, 2022 08:50pm
You drop Rajapaksa twice. He will make you pay. Pathetic fielding.
Recommend 0
FAhmed
Sep 11, 2022 08:51pm
Sorry to say PK does not deserve the win. Pathetic billowing and fielding after 10 overs.
Recommend 0
Ali
Sep 11, 2022 08:52pm
Horrible fielding by Shadab, trying to make up for dropped catch, collided and gives a six
Recommend 0
Fawad bhai
Sep 11, 2022 08:52pm
Poor captaincy when it comes to use of Nawaz. SL spinners will prove why Nawaz should have bowled 3 more overs
Recommend 0
Ali B
Sep 11, 2022 08:52pm
Bowling fell apart in the final overs, SL now has a good chance of winning with Pakistan batting not clicking
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 08:59pm
Bring it on.
Recommend 0
Taj Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 09:09pm
SL after five down at 58 runs recovered quickly to 170 after 20 overs. For Pakistan…Babar should come one down send Asif or Naseem Shah with Rizwan for quick runs and win.
Recommend 0
Salvo
Sep 11, 2022 09:09pm
Won toss , nothing else matters here
Recommend 0
Ali B
Sep 11, 2022 09:23pm
Another irresponsible shot by Babar that cost him his wicket.
Recommend 0
Ali
Sep 11, 2022 09:24pm
@Pakman, that’s all they have .. pathetic
Recommend 0
Singh
Sep 11, 2022 09:25pm
Babar is not T20 player and fakhr lack skills.
Recommend 0
EEsan
Sep 11, 2022 09:31pm
@ShadowLugia, Is it because Pakistan is losing?
Recommend 0
Saleem
Sep 11, 2022 09:38pm
Rizwan was out at 11. So, if Pak wins, it would be empire help
Recommend 0
Saleem
Sep 11, 2022 09:42pm
Pakistan always wins against Blue Jerseys! No matter which blue.
Recommend 0
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Sep 11, 2022 10:18pm
Why Fakhar and Iftikhar are in the team. Can someone please let me know. We don't have middle order. Disastrous team selection.
Recommend 0
Saleem
Sep 11, 2022 10:21pm
It doesn’t matter what happens now. Pakistan has defeated India and that is equivalent to winning the cup.
Recommend 0
Sheraz Ali
Sep 11, 2022 10:29pm
Selfish inning from Rizwan.
Recommend 0
Iftikhar Khan
Sep 11, 2022 10:34pm
Congratulations to Sri Lanka. Well played.
Recommend 0
MJS
Sep 11, 2022 10:34pm
Looks like Babar and Kohli exchanged their form during this Asia cup.
Recommend 0
t20truth
Sep 11, 2022 10:35pm
The trick to beat PAK- get Baber and Rizwan play for long..
Recommend 0
Saleem
Sep 11, 2022 10:35pm
Hold you heads high Men in Green. You defeated India and that is all that matters. We are proud of you.
Recommend 0
Ali
Sep 11, 2022 10:36pm
Except for Rizwan, the whole team should be sent packing
Recommend 0
Skeptic2
Sep 11, 2022 10:36pm
Dream goes out of the door. Sorry Captain Babar Azam, you deserved a victory. Let me repeat, you are one of the best cricket players in the world and a gentleman.
Recommend 0
Ashley
Sep 11, 2022 10:38pm
Congrats SL. Pakistan was lucky to bat second in all important matches and even that was not able to save them this time.
Recommend 0
Zakir
Sep 11, 2022 10:40pm
The best joke I heard the other day. Someone said Babar Azam is the next Virat Kohli,
Recommend 0
Jo Original
Sep 11, 2022 10:41pm
Pakistan's problem we get carried away and become complacent. Well done Sri Lanka. We're probably also looking at future world champions.
Recommend 0
Ravi
Sep 11, 2022 10:43pm
Pakistan in past won some matches only by fluke
Recommend 0
Javid Shirazi
Sep 11, 2022 10:43pm
With benefit of hindsight, it is apparent that with mediocre bits and pieces players, difficult for green shirts to win.
Recommend 0
fida
Sep 11, 2022 10:45pm
I told my friends, Pakistan will lose. Go to sleep early and don't spoil your sleep. wish they would have listened.
Recommend 0
Hathi-Bunder
Sep 11, 2022 10:46pm
Congrats Sri Lanka, Pak better luck next time. You demolished India and Afganistan in future beat SL.
Recommend 0
Tahir Mehmood Akram
Sep 11, 2022 10:47pm
I love Pakistan
Recommend 0
Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Sep 11, 2022 10:48pm
Since the beginning of the tournament I have been saying that team rather squad selection has been biased and full of favoritism. How in the world can you select Fakhar, Iftikhar, Khushdil, Asif and leave out Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Shan Masood, Faheem Ashraf. The team has no middle order. Baber cannot perform in every match. Weldone Srilanka. A deserving victory.
Recommend 0
Kris
Sep 11, 2022 10:48pm
Pakistan has a batting problem. Rizwan is slow, Fakhar and Babar are out of form, and middle order is inconsistent. They have struggled to get to 130 in three matches in a row now, once against Afghans and twice against Sri Lankans.
Recommend 0
MJS
Sep 11, 2022 10:48pm
Finals on 911 is not good for Pakistan
Recommend 0
Bang
Sep 11, 2022 10:49pm
Fixed
Recommend 0
fida
Sep 11, 2022 10:50pm
Praise from Kohli went to Baber head. Captain was a complete flop in the tournament. Baber can't handle two things at the same time. Better resign as a captain.
Recommend 0
M Emad
Sep 11, 2022 10:51pm
BIG CONGRATULATIONS, Sri Lanka Cricket Team !
Recommend 0
fida
Sep 11, 2022 10:53pm
Kohli made a fool of green shirt Baber Aam, praised him to the limit and went out of the tournament with a ton and leaving Azam to score not even 50 in the 5 innings of the tournament.
Recommend 0
Gulam Ali
Sep 11, 2022 10:54pm
Even they cannot manage to not get all out.
Recommend 0
Cricfan
Sep 11, 2022 10:55pm
Sri Lanka well played...Pakistan team lacked winning strategy!
Recommend 0
Realistic
Sep 11, 2022 10:55pm
Very selfish play by Rizwan and Iftikhar, strike rate around 100
Recommend 0
Taj Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 10:55pm
Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar, Asif Ali are responsible for this this lost against Sri Lanka. Pakistan needs Sarfraz back as T20 and ODI Captain now now now.
Recommend 0
Realistic
Sep 11, 2022 10:55pm
Take Fakhur Zaman out , also replace Iftikhar
Recommend 0
Faisi
Sep 11, 2022 10:55pm
Congratulations to SL for carrying the title! Good Luck green shirt next time
Recommend 0
Realistic
Sep 11, 2022 10:56pm
Give warning to Babar Azam as well, he has not performed in last few games ....
Recommend 0
Realistic
Sep 11, 2022 10:57pm
Fixed match , shame shame
Recommend 0
Riyaz Ali
Sep 11, 2022 10:57pm
Pakistan’s performance until this final match has just edged that of Hong Kong. Pakistan did not deserve to be in the final. Now is the time to think about Azam.
Recommend 0
Syed A. Mateen
Sep 11, 2022 10:57pm
It happens in any game. It was a good chase but few catches of Srilankan team were missed that became the cause for the players to score a higher rate run. Any way good luck to Pakistan in the next matches. Keep it up!
Recommend 0
Seedoo
Sep 11, 2022 10:59pm
Poor batting and mediocre bowling finally catching up with Pakistan. Sorry, but the way Pakistan played this tournament, they did not deserve to be in the finals to begin with.
Recommend 0
TTA is responsible for TTP
Sep 11, 2022 11:00pm
Congratulations Sri Lanka.... You deserved to win. Pakistan come back stronger next time
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Sep 11, 2022 11:00pm
The most media-hyped team in the world studded with many so-called super-stars like Kohli is out of the grand final of the 2022 Asia Cup Cricket Tourney to be played today in Dubai, U.S.A.
Recommend 0
Chacha
Sep 11, 2022 11:00pm
To be honest Except a unit show against India , Pakistan was no where in tournament Against Afganistan they clicked the fortune Rizwan is great but not accelerator at all Azam was out of form
Recommend 0
Nadeem Shah
Sep 11, 2022 11:01pm
Toss nothing to do with game
Recommend 0
Sridhar
Sep 11, 2022 11:01pm
No worries, India is not the winner and we knocked out India. This is more than enough
Recommend 0
Jamil Soomro, New York City
Sep 11, 2022 11:01pm
Sometimes "SILENCE" alone says everything.
Recommend 0
Murthy
Sep 11, 2022 11:04pm
Congrats Sri Lanka for winning inspite of losing toss
Recommend 0
Samuel
Sep 11, 2022 11:05pm
Babar azam is overrated.. We cannot depend on Naseem shah to win us again by hitting 3 six again
Recommend 0
Nadeem Shah
Sep 11, 2022 11:05pm
Congratulations Pakistan team for playing final. You sent our neighbors to watch us from home....
Recommend 0
Sudhir
Sep 11, 2022 11:06pm
rizwan cannot play a odi innings in a t20
Recommend 0
GreenAura
Sep 11, 2022 11:06pm
Well done SL. Nice work and you proved you are a re-emerging force in international cricket. Pakistanis are pleased that if we cannot win, then our greatest friends in cricket, Sri Lanka, winning is the next best thing.
Recommend 0
Anonymouseee
Sep 11, 2022 11:09pm
Heartiest congratulations to Sri Lanka from Pakistan. All we needed was to beat India and Afghanistan, which we DID.
Recommend 0
Anonymouseee
Sep 11, 2022 11:09pm
@ShadowLugia, bye bye india.
Recommend 0
Ace
Sep 11, 2022 11:10pm
@Pakman, SL defeated Pakistan by 23 rund
Recommend 0
siva
Sep 11, 2022 11:12pm
Congratulations to the Winner Sri Lanka!!! You guys did a great job even when your country is facing multitude of issues.
Recommend 0
Rafiq
Sep 11, 2022 11:12pm
Pakistan met its good luck just now
Recommend 0
Azaad
Sep 11, 2022 11:14pm
Pakistan played a lot better than the score suggests. But clearly Sri Lanka is a far superior team.
Recommend 0
Aruj
Sep 11, 2022 11:18pm
Some people are not championship material. Congrats Lanka!
Recommend 0
Micky
Sep 11, 2022 11:22pm
They spend their entire focus on beating India that they are drained afterwards.
Recommend 0
Om
Sep 11, 2022 11:23pm
Lanka wins the cup, Pakistan money
Recommend 0
Amit
Sep 11, 2022 11:24pm
@Ganesh Sharma, They proved you wrong.
Recommend 0
Danial
Sep 11, 2022 11:25pm
Gave the cup to Sri Lanka to make the nation happy and friendly nation's always b happy
Recommend 0
Maxx
Sep 11, 2022 11:27pm
Unfortunately Green Shirts do not use their brains effectively!
Recommend 0
Syed Hafeez Imran
Sep 11, 2022 11:29pm
We never seem to learn from our mistakes Some glaring mistakes In today's T20 it is very important to give a good start with a good run rate. We failed miserably we bit panicked and went into a negative defensive mode we had SL on the ropes with reducing them to 58 for 5
Recommend 0
Syed Hafeez Imran
Sep 11, 2022 11:30pm
then we seemed to shift gears instead of increasing the prssure,we chose to experiment with non regulr bowlers. allowing SL to bounce back . In their Innings,Pakistan panicked. we were not out of the race but again our batsmen did not play strategically, getting out to rash injudicious shots (And whet to say of Fakhar Zamans needless short off a wide ball and that on the first ball he had received Salute to Sl for an outstanding performance
Recommend 0
Syed Hafeez Imran
Sep 11, 2022 11:30pm
we also need to review the unfathomable choice of playing Asif, kushdilil and Iftikhar all together, fuhrer weakening our batting. Kushdil is all "Promise & potential". his strike rate is a pathetic 114 given that he is supposed to be a power hitter and finisher and average not even onto the twenties will we learn. I can bet NO!
Recommend 0
Syed Hafeez Imran
Sep 11, 2022 11:30pm
@Pakman, we also need a game plan, strategy and temperament
Recommend 0
Danda pani
Sep 11, 2022 11:31pm
Grapes are sour when you lose!
Recommend 0
Munna
Sep 11, 2022 11:34pm
Pakistan is sunk under pressure.
Recommend 0
Abrar
Sep 11, 2022 11:37pm
Babar and Rizwan opening is a flawed strategy better we understand this now than being sorry after W.C, Fakhar, Iftikhar, Khusdil and Asif are good for nothing need to replace then, there are better players then these, Sharjeel, Talat, Shan Masood, Azam Khan....
Recommend 0
Ravi
Sep 11, 2022 11:37pm
I hope Pakistan will win. Lot of people suffered in floods and this may bring little cheer to them. Good luck!
Recommend 0
gt
Sep 11, 2022 11:38pm
Pakistan is happy India did not win this game
Recommend 0
ShadowLugia
Sep 11, 2022 11:41pm
Pathetic Pakistani Players Played Poorly
Recommend 0
Alla Bux
Sep 11, 2022 11:41pm
Better team won. Congratulations, Sri Lanka!
Recommend 0
Digital
Sep 11, 2022 11:43pm
Extremely poor captainship by Babar, 50/5 with ball still seaming and he chose to take pacers off, pathetic fielding in the circle to give easy singles and drop catches at crucial moments. Hasnain bowled extremely poor and not to bowl Nawaz was shocking. In batting, Rizwan and Iftikhar showed no intent, too many dots and that created too much pressure on lower order. They should have sent Nawaz earlier. PCB got to seriously think about Asif, Iftikhar, Khushdil and Hasnain before the world cup.
Recommend 0
Syed Ahmed
Sep 11, 2022 11:48pm
Well deserve win by lankan 15
Recommend 0
Shakil KS
Sep 11, 2022 11:48pm
Babar Azam scores in Asia Cup 10(9) vs Ind 9(8) vs HK 14(10) vs Ind 0(1) vs Afg 30(29) vs SL 5(6) vs SL
Recommend 0
Dr Dummy
Sep 11, 2022 11:50pm
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Recommend 0
jay
Sep 11, 2022 11:51pm
After wining the toss and losing the match, I think Afgan would have done better than Pak. Very sad to see Pak crumble like this, seriously, they looked worse than Afgan.
Recommend 0
Farrukh Ahmed
Sep 11, 2022 11:51pm
Pak played pathetically. They are consistent with poor performance.
Recommend 0
Dr Dummy
Sep 11, 2022 11:51pm
Sri Lanka tried to hep but not enough!
Recommend 0
Multani
Sep 11, 2022 11:52pm
Don’t worry, just a game, we had already won the cup when we beat india twice, game over, we love Lanka and happily lose to them.
Recommend 0
Rizwan
Sep 11, 2022 11:55pm
Poor captaincy and performance
Recommend 0
Gursharan Singh Rathore
Sep 11, 2022 11:55pm
A good game of cricket- both teams played well. Congratulations to both.
Recommend 0
Ahmad
Sep 12, 2022 12:01am
Afghanistan horror responsible for defeat
Recommend 0
MBA
Sep 12, 2022 12:04am
Mistakes, Bad luck, Mis calculations, ... Pakistani Cricket seems a replica of our miserable country! Sorry. In both these cases the Inferno are NOT others, We are the inferno!!!
Recommend 0
A shah
Sep 12, 2022 12:07am
I thought Babar was supposed to be better then kholi?
Recommend 0
A shah
Sep 12, 2022 12:09am
Pakistan will win 100%
Recommend 0
Adam_Seeker
Sep 12, 2022 12:12am
Sri Lanka outperformed Pakistan today.
Recommend 0
Sarah
Sep 12, 2022 12:20am
@ShadowLugia, Look who is commenting 3rd world nations developing for the past 75 years but never becoming developed.
Recommend 0
Amit
Sep 12, 2022 12:22am
Good game. Both teams played nice cricket
Recommend 0
GolGol
Sep 12, 2022 12:28am
Dream Start. Horrible result. As expected from green shirts. Always
Recommend 0
khan
Sep 12, 2022 12:33am
@ShadowLugia, this happens when uncles' sons play for pak cricket
Recommend 0
chipmonk33
Sep 12, 2022 12:43am
Pakistan's game with Afghanistan was an eye-opener for Pakistan. They are lucky that Sri Lanka allowed them to score close to 150, otherwise the entire team would have been bundles for under 130 runs. Pakistan has good hitters, but they need match winners. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, showed how to work as a team where every member contributed in every department of the game.
Recommend 0
anonymous
Sep 12, 2022 12:51am
Congratulations Sri Lanka. Pakistan's top 2 batsmen play for records, this puts enormous pressure on the remaining line up. Unlike all other t20 teams Pakistan's score in first 10 overs is usually 60-70 runs which is okay if you are chasing a small target or you are batting first, but when you are chasing a big target it becomes an issue, so the other batsmen have no option but to slog, if the required rate is up to 10 you can still chase it but once it reaches over 12 it is close to impossible.
Recommend 0
Sid
Sep 12, 2022 12:53am
Looters in power and you can expect more heartache
Recommend 0
Sarah
Sep 12, 2022 12:54am
Players who are not performing need to sit out. There is no magic wand to bring them to form at the international level.
Recommend 0
anonymous
Sep 12, 2022 12:55am
Sri Lanka played like a team and did not rely on individual brilliance or played selfishly. One of the Pakistani batsmen was waiting for his 50 before he could take a risk, by that time the asking rate was already over 15.
Recommend 0
Satyakam
Sep 12, 2022 01:01am
Comical fielding by Pakistan - it was laughable to see fielders running into each other - looked like a high school team.
Recommend 0
Shahid
Sep 12, 2022 01:21am
If you are not worried about what is happening to this country for the last 75 years and at what point have they brought us to, then you shouldn't worry about our cricket selections either because it is being treated exactly the same way. Likes, dislikes, friendships and no friendship are the merit. All those who score a 30 every 10 to 12 innings, and those who play T20 at the pace of an ODI are in the team. It is not about Babar Azam's or Fakhar's form at all.
Recommend 0
Abdur Razzaque
Sep 12, 2022 01:31am
Congrats to Sri Lanka. At least no other third ones wins the match!
Recommend 0
Bp
Sep 12, 2022 01:37am
@ShadowLugia, grapes our sour.
Recommend 0
Parwez
Sep 12, 2022 01:53am
Congratulation Sri Lanka. So what went wrong? Answer Babar Azam, not for his slump but for his captaincy, When you have two world class all-rounder’s in Shabad and Nawaz , both with POM in previous games. they are a deadly duo in combination and a delight for any captain, but not Azam, why did he not let Nawaz complete his quota instead giving away 48 runs in 4 overs to pace where he had Nawaz with 3 overs and Ifthikar with 1, slower bowlers are more effective than pace..
Recommend 0
milind
Sep 12, 2022 02:06am
Thank you Pak team you save Pakistani supporter from beating on hand of Afghanistani people.
Recommend 0
msreed
Sep 12, 2022 02:08am
Congratulations Sri Lanka...They won the match even after batting first at that venue... Cheers...
Recommend 0
Sachin
Sep 12, 2022 02:14am
Well played Sri Lanka. Held nerves and broke into the weaknesses of Pakistani batsmen
Recommend 0
Naveen
Sep 12, 2022 02:14am
Fixed match pakistan took money
Recommend 0
Ya Ya Khan
Sep 12, 2022 02:22am
As always, we will blame for team selection :-)
Recommend 0
Nameless
Sep 12, 2022 02:40am
I am loving it that Sri Lanka won
Recommend 0
Zak
Sep 12, 2022 02:50am
Congratulations Sri Lanka, our brothers.
Recommend 0
Ulhas
Sep 12, 2022 02:50am
Well played Sri Lanka…. Best team deserves to win!
Recommend 0
Today
Sep 12, 2022 02:54am
The truly deserving team won...so no toss needed just pure old hard work is enough
Recommend 0
Ike
Sep 12, 2022 03:14am
Obviously
Recommend 0
Mohd. Abdul
Sep 12, 2022 03:15am
Excellent tournament for Pakistan. They won 3 out of 6 matches. They beat Hongkong and won close encounters against India and Afghans. Great performance!
Recommend 0
Saeed
Sep 12, 2022 03:16am
How Pakistan played the last three games shows 1. Pakistan is a very unpredictable side. 2. The specialist play according to their mood. 3. The team only wins when the other team makes mistakes. 4. They are only interested in winning the preliminary games. 5. The team only focuses on winning against certain teams.
Recommend 0
Syed
Sep 12, 2022 03:45am
Baber should be sacked. Not sure why we are keeping him. Must be some political influence.
Recommend 0
beeech
Sep 12, 2022 04:07am
Rizwan the tuk tuk king
Recommend 0
pappu lahori
Sep 12, 2022 04:11am
well done :)
Recommend 0
Akil Akhtar
Sep 12, 2022 04:15am
Poor captainship and fielding main causes of loss. But you cant win with tape tennis cricketers....biggest curse on Pakistan cricket is the popularity of tape tennis......Still an achievement from an average team to reach two finals back to back.
Recommend 0
Shahid
Sep 12, 2022 04:40am
If it was not for our luck, did we deserve to win even a single match except that against a minnow. And be aware, it is not because Babar did not score runs.
Recommend 0
Javed
Sep 12, 2022 04:44am
Win or Lose, its just a game, as long as its not india.
Recommend 0
Anwar Siddiq
Sep 12, 2022 04:54am
By the time Rizwan makes his laboriously/snail paced 50 runs, the run rate required has sky rocketed out of reach,and Pakistan is in trouble , but his stat sheet is illuminated. Please get a better opener who plays according to the situation
Recommend 0
A
Sep 12, 2022 05:08am
Well played Sri Lankan team. Pakistan had bad attitude since afgan match.
Recommend 0
gt
Sep 12, 2022 05:13am
Are you not happy you did lose game from India
Recommend 0
Samuel
Sep 12, 2022 05:28am
Sri lanka fielding was superb. They did not drop any catches
Recommend 0
Ibrahim S
Sep 12, 2022 06:03am
What more important for the people of “Islamic” Republic of Pakistan : - losing cricket match - Listening to IKN tantrum - Worrying about hungry and homeless people in flood waters . You be the judge
Recommend 0
Azeemuddin
Sep 12, 2022 06:04am
@Ganesh Sharma, Toss wins, match loses! Great SL team!
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Safir A. Siddiqui
Sep 12, 2022 06:16am
Horrible Captaincy.Babar fails with bat for sixth consecutive times.He should resign forthwith.Fakhar should be sacked immediately.He is a total liability.Asif Ali Khush Dil are free loaders.Good for nothing.Wake up PCB.Overweight coached cannot transform the team.Remember my word Babar Azam lacks leadership and is never a Captain material.Some body should replace him.In Australia Pakistan will get many surprises.Team Pakstan has let us down
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Ijaz Durrani
Sep 12, 2022 06:57am
SL made mince meat of PK yesterday. PK won many matches but barring the one against HK, they won them narrowly.The law of averages caught up with them and that was it!!
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fshah
Sep 12, 2022 07:09am
good to see the fake heroes getting exposed
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Pak Patriot
Sep 12, 2022 07:32am
Babar Azam should voluntarily give up the T20 Captaincy of the T20 Pakistan World Cup team. He has singularly let the team down and has made himself redundant in the team like Sarfaraz Ahmed. Therefore Rizwan should be made Captain of T20 World cup team and a Specialist High performing Pakistan League batsmen should replace Babar Azam.
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Pakistani FO
Sep 12, 2022 07:37am
@Amit, Which match did you watch?
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EEsan
Sep 12, 2022 08:08am
@Anonymouseee, India also beat you..so hold your excitement. Yours is an ordinary team with overrated players.
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Tariq
Sep 12, 2022 08:14am
@Pak Patriot, Babar can take Fakhar, Khushdil, Asif along with him. Dhani would have been so much better than Hasnain.
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jp
Sep 12, 2022 08:51am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, thank you sri lanka
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Tariq
Sep 12, 2022 09:05am
@Pak Patriot, who are these Specialist High Performing PSL batsmen that you are referring to? truth of the matter is that there is a scarcity of this commodity
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Munna
Sep 12, 2022 09:13am
SL has made 170 after suffering from 58/5 in 9th over. And. Pakistan has collapsed from 93/2. This game looks like it has been fixed.
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Munna
Sep 12, 2022 09:14am
Bring Sarfaraz back as the captain.
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riaz
Sep 12, 2022 09:20am
As predicted, Sri Lanka won deservedly. What went wrong? Almost everything despite winning the toss and bowling well to begin with, Sri lanka, batting, fielding, bowling, captaincy and dare coaching and strategy were much superior than Pakistan's. Batting, we have 3-4 guys like Ifty, Khursdil, Asif who are all number 8, they cant face more than 2 overs max! Captaincy when you have opposition on the run, you don' t go for kill when they are 50+ for 5 and then not use your leading spin bowler.
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Rameay
Sep 12, 2022 09:21am
Welldone Sri Lanka, you deserved it.
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Ace
Sep 12, 2022 09:40am
@Saleem, SL won by 23 run..
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Ijaz Durrani
Sep 12, 2022 10:31am
Law of averages caught up with Team PK!!
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Dominic
Sep 12, 2022 10:49am
Sarfaraz Ahmed was the best T/20 Captain for Pakistan. Babar Azam is not a Captain made, he selects players on his likings only, is he a captain of Team Pakistan or his own club. He should be removed as Captain of T/20 and ODI and bring in an aggressive captain who have a plan, vision and give players a chance on its merit.
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Dev
Sep 12, 2022 12:08pm
India would have played better final then Pakistan.
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Ali Vaqar Awan
Sep 12, 2022 12:32pm
Congrats to Sri Lanka for winning Asia Cup. They deservingly won. The main problem of Pakistan is poor finishing, not able to capitalize on strong start. Its defensive mindset of Babar that costed our team a lot. Not properly utilizing his bowlers. Batting was horrible from first to last ball. In T20 taking risk at a right time matters but Pakistan failed to do that. Playing Hasnain, Khushdil, Iftikhar and Fakhar Zaman was biggest mistake. Giving 3 overs of M Nawaz to Iftikhar was big blunder.
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Dean
Sep 12, 2022 01:08pm
Ganesh Sharma If toss wins, match wins..???? must be the standard of education in India !!!
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Dean
Sep 12, 2022 01:11pm
Well Deserved victory for Sri Lanka the difference was in the fielding!! How many more chances are you going to give Fakhar/Khusdil please promote Nawaz to number 3 and bring back Shoaib Malik for the world cup at number 5 he may be 40 but he has 1 more t20 world cup in him. Take the captaincy off Babar and give it to Rizwan . AT 50 FOR 5 Babar should have killed the game but went into defensive mindset again. You will not win any matches against England coming up with this mind set
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Ace
Sep 12, 2022 01:25pm
@Dean, SL beat Pakistan twice, once bowling first and second batting first...They completely outplayed,outfoxed .
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ShadowLugia
Sep 12, 2022 04:03pm
@Sarah, At least they are putting some efforts to become one, not like free loaders thriving on borrowed money.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Sep 12, 2022 04:36pm
Well played Sri Lanka. You showed unity, faith, dedication, devotion and discipline in true sense while green shirts were lacking these important and integral ingredients of a winning team.
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