Fifties by Rizwan and Shafique take Pakistan to 252/7 against Sri Lanka

The Pakistan versus Sri Lanka clash is a must-win encounter for both teams to book tickets for the final. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, who sustained injuries during the India versus Pakistan clash, will not be available for the match on Thursday.

Colombo: Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) put up a timely 108-run stand to steer Pakistan to a commanding 252 for 7 against Sri Lanka after rain reduced the Super Four Asia Cup match to 42-overs a side contest here on Thursday. Opting to bat in the crucial fixture, opener Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) shared a 64-run stand with skipper Babar Azam (29).

But it was Rizwan and Iftikhar who provided the final flourish, taking Pakistan across the 250-run mark. The match is a virtual semifinal, the winner of the game will play against India in the final on Sunday. For Sri Lanka, young pacer Matheesha Pathirana (3/64) was the most successful bowler.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 252 for 7 in 42 overs (Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out), Abdullah Shafique 52; Matheesha Pathirana 3/64)

Squads:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana (With PTI Inputs)