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In the electrifying Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka's prodigious spinner, Dunith Wellalage, remained in the limelight as he delivered yet another stellar performance against Pakistan in Colombo on Thursday. Wellalage, having previously claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul against the mighty Indians - dismissing heavyweights like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - persisted with his fine form. His bowling figures in that game read an impressive 5/40 in ten overs.
Wellalage's spin mastery was once again on full display during Pakistan's innings, especially in his fourth over. He sent shockwaves through the Pakistan camp when he took out their talismanic skipper, Babar Azam. Crafting a delivery that teased around the off-stump line, Wellalage lured Babar into a defensive play. The ball, however, had other plans. Taking a sharp turn away from the right-handed Babar, it left him bewildered and out of his crease, allowing wicketkeeper Kusal Perera to effortlessly stump him out.
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The ongoing Super 4 face-off between the lions of Sri Lanka and Pakistan holds significant weight, as the triumphant team will proceed to challenge India for the coveted Asia Cup 2023 trophy. Notably, India had already punched their ticket to the final earlier this week, registering emphatic wins over both contenders.
The decision-making began on an exciting note as Pakistan's captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to set the scoreboard rolling by batting first. Pakistan rang in multiple changes to their squad, bringing in Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim, and Zaman Khan. They replaced the likes of Imam ul Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha.
The Lankans, not to be left behind, made strategic adjustments to their playing eleven. Both Kusal Perera and Pramod Madushan were given the nod, marking their inclusion in the team. However, the day's proceedings experienced a minor hiccup as a bout of uncooperative weather led to a delayed toss, subsequently trimming the match to a 45-over per side affair.
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