Renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle praised Pakistan’s speedy bowling after their performance in the do-or-die ODI match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday, Pakistan’s final Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 ended in a close two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka.
In a rain-hit match on Thursday, Pakistan managed to set the target of 252 (DLS Method) on the board. On the other hand, Sri Lanka chased down the target on the very last ball.
Pakistan’s bowling attack:
Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi once again showed his brilliance in the penultimate over by taking two back-to-back wickets in the second last over, making it a thriller for the fans and raising their hopes. Zaman Khan, a debutant who was handed the last over, almost defended 8 runs when a boundary was edged. Zaman Khan, known for his skills, had a remarkable performance in bowling in the PSL and helped his team win the title for the second time this year.
Pakistan in the absence of their main bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah almost managed to defend the total of 252 but unluckily, did not managed to cross the line.
National bowlers, especially Iftikhar Ahmed and Zaman Khan, put on amazing bowling displays that won them high plaudits from the cricket community.
Harsha Bhogle:
Famous Indian analyst Harsha Bhogle praised Pakistan’s bowling unit for making life difficult for the home team despite the absence of two important pacers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Fabulous match. I thought Sri Lanka would win it with an over left. But this is a very good Pakistan bowling side and Zaman Khan almost won it for them.— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 14, 2023
Harsha Bhogle tweeted that he anticipated the Dasun Shanaka-led team to chase the target with one over remaining after Sri Lanka advanced to the Asia Cup final.
“I thought Sri Lanka would win it with an over left. But this is a very good Pakistan bowling side, and Zaman Khan almost won it for them,” Harsha Bhogle praised.
It’s important to note that Pakistan had four injuries prior to the match that mattered, as Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Salman Agha were all unable to take part.