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 in Colombo 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.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said that Sri Lanka played better cricket than them as they missed out on the Asia Cup final spot by the barest of margins.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set a nail-biting final over after claiming two wickets in the penultimate over and giving away just four runs. Zaman Khan failed to save 9 runs in the final over as Charith Asalanka scored the winning runs to clinch the victory.

After the game, Babar reflected on his decision to drop the in-form bowler Iftikhar Ahmed from the attack and the areas they fell short which eventually led to their downfall.