Babar Azam left dejected after last-ball error leads to Pakistan’s exit

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was left dejected following his team’s exit in the Asia Cup 2023 after losing to defending champions Sri Lanka in a final ball thriller at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 14. With this, the Lankan Lions cruised to the final and will square off against team India for the prestigious title on Sunday, September 17 at the same venue.

Meanwhile, both sides took the game down to the wire as only two runs were required off the final ball. The Men in Green pinned their hopes on debutant Zaman Khan, who was not part of the squad till a couple of nights ago, to see their side through to the finish line.

Prior to the last ball, Babar was seen engaged in a long chat with the pacer. With a massive task in hand to defend two off the final delivery, Zaman bowled a slower length ball onto the pads, which Charith Asalanka clipped towards deep square leg to help his side book a place in the final. 

A dejected Babar was seen flinging his arm and expressed displeasure with the delivery and the field setup considering that there were no fielders on the leg side. Later, Zaman was also seen on his knees and teary-eyed.

Notably, Asalanka displayed nerves of steel and scored an unbeaten 49 off 47 to clinch the crucial contest. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis earned the Player of the match award for his belligerent 91 off 87, which featured eight fours and a solitary maximum.

Sri Lanka will next play India in the summit clash of the Asia Cup 2023 and look to defend their title. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Co. play Bangladesh in the final Super Four fixture on Friday, September 15, before turning out for the final.