The fifth game of the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 took place between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The game was curtailed due to rain and was reduced to 42-over per side. It was the virtual semi-final and the defending champions stepped up big time to book their berth in the final of the tournament against India. 

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They had a horrendous start as they lost Fakhar Zaman (4) early. Abdullah Shafique (53) and skipper Babar Azam (29) added crucial 64 runs on the board to make sure that they kept the scoreboard ticking despite the early blow. 

However, after their partnership Pakistan had a torrid time on the field as they lost wickets quickly and were tottering at 130/5 in 28 overs. But after that rain halt eased the conditions and made things better than what was before the rain break. The Babar Azam-led side took full advantage of that and played staggering well. 

Mohammad Rizwan (86*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) came out all guns blazing after the rain break and took the attack to Sri Lankan bowlers. They added 108 runs and brought Pakistan back into the game. Their rollicking partnership saw Men in Green post a total of 252 runs on the board. 

Sri Lanka had an aggressive start to their innings as Kusal Perera smashed a quick-fire 17 runs before he was run out. Pathum Nissanka played a crucial hand of 29 runs off 44 balls. But the real blitz came from the bat of Kusal Mendis (91) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48), who took the game away from Pakistan. 

They added a 100-run partnership for the third wicket and put Pakistan under real pressure. However, they both played false shots and ended up giving their wickets to part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed. He also removed Dasun Shanaka (2) to put Sri Lanka under immense pressure and bring his side back into the game. 

Charith Asalanka, however, showed great maturity and soaked in all the pressure despite Shaheen Afridi removing Dhananjaya de Silva (5) and Dunith Wellalage in the penultimate over. With 8 runs needed off the last 6 balls, the drama unfolded but Asalanka (49*) won the match for his side with 2 wickets in hand and took them to the final of Asia Cup 2023.

Asia Cup Points Table 2023: Updated Standings After PAK vs SL Super Four Match 5 

After the fifth match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023, India continued staying at the top of the points table with Q ahead of their name. Sri Lanka after their win over Pakistan became the second team to qualify for the final. Pakistan and Bangladesh who are third and fourth respectively have been eliminated.

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