A torrid start and labored batting in the middle overs saw Pakistan beat Pakistan by 23 runs in their run chase at the hands of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Green Shirts got off to a brilliant start to their evening, winning the all-important toss and deciding to field first which has worked for them every single time in the tournament so far tonight.
Their pace attack consisting of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf gave them a dream start and at one point it looked like Sri Lanka would be able to bat for their entire overs. However, after the first 10 overs, Pakistan captain Babar Azam made a surprisingly defensive move, allowing Sri Lanka to finish with an almost miraculous 170-6.
In reply, Babar Azam failed for the sixth consecutive time in the tournament and Fakhar Zaman was cast for a golden duck. This forced the duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed to bat conservatively which they probably did for longer than necessary.
As the required run rate rose to 12, Pakistan’s batsmen took their chances but their gamble failed miserably as Sri Lanka did not let them move an inch and did not put a single foot wrong.
In the end, a stunning demolition saw Pakistan bowl out 147 runs as Sri Lanka were crowned champions for the sixth time.
