Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets via DLS method in a super four match to secure their place in the final of the Asia Cup here on Thursday. Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) put up a 108-run stand to steer Pakistan to a commanding 252 for 7 after rain reduced the match to 42-overs a side contest.

However, Kusal Mendis (91) led a valiant batting display alongside Charith Asalanka (49 not out) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) as Sri Lanka overhauled the target in 42 overs. Sri Lanka will take on India in final on Sunday.

Our senior cricket writer is in Pallekele to cover the Asia Cup. Please click here to watch the Asia Cup drama unfold through Venkata’s eyes and words.

What a game we had. It looked like Sri Lanka’s game for most part of it until Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brilliant over which turned the game on its head. Credit must be given to Pakistan bowlers for dragging this game this deep and staying in the game till the end. However, Asalanka was the ice man he flicked the ball brilliantly onto the leg-side under pressure when two were needed of the final ball to win the game for Sri Lanka. It will be a hard pill to swallow for Pakistan but they had mitigating circumstances with their bowling yet managed to pull the game this deep. That’s it for now form us for this will be back for tomorrow’