COLOMBO: Out-of-form opener Fakhar Zaman has again failed to make any impact and departed early after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam elected to bat first in the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka in Super Four matches of the Asia Cup.
Despite Pakistan announcing their playing XI a day in advance, last-minute changes were made as Imam ul Haq and Saud Shakeel were replaced. Imam was sidelined due to a sudden back spasm and substituted by Fakhar Zaman, while Saud had to withdraw due to a fever, with Abdullah Shafique taking his place.
The contest has been curtailed by five overs, and the power play is now 9 overs.
Earlier, videos on television showed the characteristic blue covers spanning the R. Premadasa Stadium as threatening grey clouds loomed above.
Since there is no “reserve day” in the Super 4 in this match a washout today would end Pakistan’s Asia Cup journey and send Sri Lanka straight into the final.
Both teams enter this match following disappointing losses to India in their own respective ways. Sri Lanka had a chance to secure a spot in the final but narrowly missed their target of 214 against India, falling short despite Dunith Wellalage’s impressive performance with both bat and ball.
Today’s match has now become a virtual semi-final for both teams, offering them a chance to redeem themselves in the final. In the event of a rainout, Sri Lanka would secure their spot in the final due to their superior run rate compared to Pakistan.
Weather forecaster AccuWeather forecasted unfavourable conditions in Colombo. According to the forecaster, there was a 93% probability of rain with a 56% chance of thunderstorms affecting the match during the day with “a couple of showers and a thunderstorm”.
Yesterday, Pakistani bowling coach Morne Morkel said injuries to their fast bowlers were a big blow ahead of a crucial Asia Cup match but a “fantastic opportunity” for the new talent.
Naseem Shah was ruled out of the team’s final Super 4 clash. Pakistan Super League (PSL) star Zaman Khan came in as a replacement and walked directly into the team, which was announced on the eve of the important match.
Shah and fellow quick Haris Rauf were injured in the team’s last Super 4 clash of the 50-over tournament, a prelude to the upcoming one-day international World Cup.
