Desk Dubai: A horror start to their run chase and laborious batting in middle overs consigned Pakistan to a 23-run defeat at hands of Sri Lanka in final of Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Green Shirts had a brilliant start to their evening, having won all-important toss and deciding to field first a trick that had worked for them every single time in tournament until tonight.

Their pace attack featuring Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf gave them a dream start and at one point it had seemed as if Sri Lanka would even be able to bat out their full overs. However, after first 10 overs, Pakistan captain Babar Azam surprisingly opted for a defensive approach, allowing Sri Lanka to make an almost miraculous recovery to finish with 170-6. In reply, Babar Azam failed for sixth straight time in tournament and Fakhar Zaman was castled on a golden duck.

That forced pairing of Muhammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed to bat conservatively a job they probably did for longer than required. As required run rate soared to 12, Pakistan batters took their chances but their gambles failed miserably as Sri Lankans did not allow them an inch and did not put a foot wrong. In end, an astonishing collapse saw Pakistan fold for 147 as Sri Lanka were crowned champions for sixth time. With just three runs and no boundaries in previous over, Iftikhar had to take risk. He takes it but it doesn't pay off as he holes out at deep backward square leg.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 12 2022

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