Asia Cup 2023: Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis star in Sri Lanka's 2-wicket win over Pakistan

Riding on the back of a superb knock under pressure by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka, the defending champions marched on into their 12th Asia Cup final in some style.

The Dasun Shanaka-led side registered a nail-biting 2-wicket win (DLS method) over Pakistan in a rain-interrupted Super Four clash in Columbo.

After winning the toss Pakistan who chose to bat first had a difficult start as they lost Fakhar Zaman very early. However, Abdullah Shafique's 52 off 69 balls stabilised the innings with a 64-run partnership with captain Babar Azam. While Pakistan lost 4 wickets in a short while thereafter, Mohd Rizwan's 86 not out off 73 balls brought the Men in Green back on track. A late push with Iftikhar Ahmed (47 off 40 balls) at the other end, helped them post a competitive 252/7 in 42 overs.

In response, Kusal Mendis' valiant 91 and Sadeera Samarawickrama's 48 paved a smooth way for Sri Lanka at first but Pakistan who dearly missed the services of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah brought back things under control at the death. Shaheen Afridi picked 2 wickets in the penultimate over giving away just 4 runs. While Zaman Khan bowled a good final over, with 6 needed from 2, Charith Asalanka (49 off 47) proved to be the hero for the home side, sending them through to the final on the final ball of the game.

Sri Lanka will take on India in final on Sunday.