The Pakistan Shaheens defeated Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the Rising Star Asia Cup to book a place in the final. They will face Bangladesh in the final.

New Delhi: In the second semi-final of the Rising Star Asia Cup, Pakistan Shaheens defeated Sri Lanka A by 5 runs to advance to the final. Batting first, Pakistan posted 154 runs. In response, Sri Lanka could only manage 149 runs in 20 overs. Pakistan will now face Bangladesh in the final.

Sri Lanka lost in the last over

In response, Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start, with opener Lasith Krosspulle scoring 29 runs in just 1.3 overs. However, the Sri Lankans suffered a series of setbacks after that, and Milan Priyanath Rathnayake held his team together, scoring 40 runs in the final over. However, he was given out by the umpire in the final over, leaving Sri Lanka five runs short of the target.

Pakistan scored 154 runs

Earlier, Pakistan A (Shaheens) batted first and set a target of 154 runs for Sri Lanka A. Sri Lanka A won the toss and elected to bowl first, after which Pakistan A could only manage 153 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs.

Pakistan batsmen were badly trapped

Pakistan's innings got off to a flying start, with opening batsman Maaz Sadaqat scoring a quickfire 23 off just 11 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours. Mohammad Naeem also made 16. However, after Maaz was dismissed for 40, the Sri Lankan bowlers made a comeback, and Pakistan's middle order faltered. At one point, the team's score was 62/5.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ghazi Ghori then steadied the innings, leading the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 36 balls. He received crucial support from Saad Masood (22). Towards the end of the innings, Ahmed Daniyal smashed 22 runs off just eight balls, including three sixes, to take the team past 150.

Madushan took 4 wickets

For Sri Lanka A, fast bowler Pramod Madushan took four wickets, while spinner Trevin Mathew also bowled a tight spell, taking three wickets, and dismantled Pakistan's top order.

PC:NBT