WATCH: Pramod Madushan dismisses out of form Fakhar Zaman with fiery delivery in Asia Cup 2023
Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam was dismissed by left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage after scoring 29 runs off 35 balls.
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Sep 14, 2023 9:34 pm
Fakhar Zaman (Source: Twitter)
In a do-or-die game against Sri Lanka, Pakistan lost five wickets for just 130 runs in 27.4 overs before rain interrupted the game. For Pakistan, opener Abdullah Shafique scored a half-century, while other batters struggled to score runs. Shafique, in his innings, scored 52 runs off 69 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes.
However, his opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, once again failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Despite being drafted into the XI at the last moment, the horror run with the bat continued for Fakhar. Sri Lanka pacer Pramod Madushan dismissed him with a fiery delivery. In the 3rd over of the Pakistani innings, Pramod produced an inswinging yorker to get the better of Fakhar.
It’s worth noting that the last few games have been horrible for Fakhar Zaman. After scoring three back-to-back centuries against New Zealand, he has failed to score a 50+ score in the last 10 innings. In his last 10 innings, he has scored just 190 runs at an average of 19. As a result of his poor performance, Fakhar was dropped from the initial playing XI against Sri Lanka. However, due to a back spasm, Imam-Ul-Haq made his way into the team.
Can Pakistan make it to the finals of the Asia Cup in 2023?
Speaking about the game, apart from Abdullah Shafique, not a single Pakistani batter was able to face Sri Lankan bowlers. Skipper Babar Azam was dismissed by left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage. He scored 29 runs off 35 balls with the help of three fours. On the other hand, middle-order batter Mohammed Haris was caught and bowled by Matheesha Pathirana. While Mohammed Nawaz was dismissed by Mahesh Teekshana.
As the rain has stopped the play, Pakistan will look to score some more runs to avoid any unfavourable conditions if DLS is applied. They have to win this game to stay alive in the tournament. It’s worth noting that the winner of this classic event will face India in the finals of the Asia Cup in 2023. If Pakistan manages to beat Sri Lanka, it will be the first ever India vs. Pakistan final in Asia Cup history.
