The Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash held at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was one for the books. The rain-interrupted affair saw Dasun Shanaka's Sri Lanka pulling off a dramatic last-ball win, while both teams managed to register a score of 252 runs. This intriguing turn of events had fans eagerly searching for explanations.
Pakistan, who batted first, posted a score of 252 runs after 42 overs, having lost seven wickets. Interestingly, the initial arrangement was for a 45-over game for each side. Rain interruptions at Colombo's stadium caused initial delays and adjustments to the match's length. As the game commenced, the decision was to stick to the 45-over format. However, the weather had other plans. A subsequent downpour led to the game being shortened to 42 overs per side. By the time the second rain delay took place, Pakistan had scored 130/5 in 27.4 overs.
So, why was Pakistan's revised total set at 251 runs?
This adjustment was due to the Duckworth-Lewis method applied in rain-affected matches. One run was subtracted from Pakistan's total because of the 5 wickets they lost before the game's second rain interruption. This meant that the adjusted score was 251 runs, thus setting Sri Lanka a winning target of 252 runs. It's worth noting the significance of Mohammad Nawaz's wicket which fell just before the rain in the 28th over. Without this wicket loss, Sri Lanka's target could have been 255 runs. With the DLS method, retaining wickets becomes a pivotal strategy.
Rain-affected matches demand a robust start from teams. An early loss of wickets can adversely impact the revised total, regardless of a late-game rally. Pakistan experienced this firsthand as they lost valuable wickets early on. Sri Lanka capitalized on this, holding their nerve in the crucial final moments. With 6 runs needed off the last 2 balls, Charith Asalanka, the talented Sri Lankan all-rounder, delivered, sealing their spot against India in the Asia Cup 2023 final.
Now Sri Lanka will clash against the mighty India on September 17, Sunday for the ultimate Asia Cup title.
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