Even though Pakistan won by 5 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, this team could not make it to the semi-finals. After being out of the title race, the Pakistani captain has called toss and dew as big factors. The Pakistani team, which came to bat first, scored 212 runs losing eight wickets. The visiting team had to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less runs to reach the semi-finals, but this could not happen. Sri Lanka scored 207 runs after losing six wickets in the stipulated overs.
Salman Agha’s new excuse
After being out of the title race, Pakistani captain Salman Aga said, ‘The match was always challenging after losing the toss, because dew was a big factor. If we had won the toss, the story could have been different. Dew had a lot of impact. We could not implement our plans properly. It may be that Usman did not have a good day today. We could not bat well throughout the tournament. If Farhan had got a little more support, the situation could have been better.
Two batsmen could touch double figures
In this decisive match, the Pakistani team suffered its first setback in 15.5 overs, after which it could score only 212 runs after losing eight wickets. Only opening batsmen Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) could touch double figures. The remaining batsmen flopped. The Pakistani captain said, ‘Middle order has been a problem for us for the last few years, we will definitely have to work on it. We could not finish the match the way we wanted. We batted well for 18 overs, but the opposition bowled well in the remaining two overs. Even a score of 160 runs might have been difficult to defend.
What did the Sri Lankan captain say?
On the other hand, after losing the match, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said, ‘It was a close match, we could have finished it with a win. Shaheen Afridi bowled brilliantly. This period as a captain has been very challenging. Yes, we are disappointed and I want to apologize to our fans. Unfortunately, we suffered injuries. Hopefully such injuries do not happen in future. Our two key bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Mathisha Pathirana were not available. Hopefully he will return soon and perform well for Sri Lankan cricket.
Shanaka apologized to fans
He said, ‘Sometimes as players we feel pressure. It was a mistake and I’m sorry for disappointing the fans. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received. Ratnayake has been quite consistent and makes good use of the crease. We also have young players like Dunith Vellalage, who are continuously progressing.