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Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, graciously acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance, stating, “Sri Lanka played really well, they played better cricket than us, that’s why they won.We weren’t up to the mark with our bowling and fielding, that’s why we lost.”
The contest, which had spectators and players alike holding their breath until the final delivery, showcased the resilience of both teams. Babar Azam pinpointed a crucial issue for Pakistan, explaining, “In the middle overs, we are not bowling well. That partnership (between Mendis and Samarawickrama) cost us the game,” reflecting on a partnership that proved to be pivotal in Sri Lanka’s success.
Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, added to the drama by claiming two wickets in two balls during the penultimate over, nearly snatching victory from Sri Lanka’s grasp. Facing a daunting task of saving 9 runs in the last over, debutant
Zaman Khan had a chance to be the hero for Pakistan, but Charith Asalanka‘s nerve-wracking innings (49 not out) ensured Sri Lanka’s triumph.
“We are starting well, we are finishing well, but we are not taking wickets in the middle,” Babar added.
One factor that may have influenced Pakistan’s performance was the absence of their star pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, in the death overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s heroics almost compensated for their absence, but ultimately, Sri Lanka prevailed.
(With inputs from ANI)
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