Team for the future....: Irfan Pathan praises Sri Lankan side after Asia Cup final qualification
F
ollowing their win over Pakistan in their Super Four clash in the ongoing Asia Cup, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan lavished praise on the Sri Lankan team for their balance and depth, saying that having batters who can bowl and a long batting line-up makes it a team for future.
Charith Asalanka sealed Sri Lanka's date with India in the Asia Cup 2023 final after clinching a two-wicket victory in a nerve-cracking chase against Pakistan on Thursday at the R Premadasa Stadium.
"Sri Lanka in the last couple of games have played exceedingly well. They have pure batters who can bowl. Long batting lineup. Team for the future for sure. #srilankacricket," tweeted Irfan on X.
After winning the previous edition of the Asia Cup last year, Sri Lanka has yet again shown why it should not be counted out. Despite the absence of premier bowlers like Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka, the Lankan Lions once again made it to the final of the Asia Cup and will play India in Colombo on September 17.
This has been made possible by the performances of their young stars like Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage .
Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman early in the 42-over-per-side match. But a 64-run stand for the second wicket between Abdullah Shafique and skipper Babar Azam put Pakistan back on track. Pakistan was rocked once again with some quick wickets before Mohammed Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Pakistan reached a competitive score of 252/8 in 42 overs.
Matheesha Pathirana and Pramod Madushan were impressive with the ball for Lanka.
In the chase of 252, contributions from the top order like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama kept SL in contention until the game got tense in final few overs. However, Charith Asalanka made sure SL finished on the winning side in a last-ball thriller.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, however, they failed to win the game for the team.
Kusal took home the 'Player of the Match' award for his knock that helped SL set up the title clash with India on September 17 in Colombo.
✔️ Team for the future....: Irfan Pathan praises Sri Lankan side after Asia Cup final qualification
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