Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan decide to bat first against Sri Lanka

Colombo: Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in the Super 4 clash of Asia Cup 2023.

The victory in this match is quite important for Pakistan to reach final of the mega tournament.

? T O S S A L E R T ?

Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first. The match has been reduced to 45 overs per side ?#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/dvinfuBN0F

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023

Pakistan announced two changes to the playing XI  last evening according to which Saud Shakeel is out due to fever while Imam ul Haq has suffered a back spasm. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique come in the side.

➡️ Two changes to the playing XI announced last evening

Saud Shakeel is out due to fever while Imam ul Haq has suffered a back spasm. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique come in the side.#PAKvSL | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/G6mPP1snam

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 14, 2023                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

India has already secured their place in the Asia Cup final, rendering any impact of rain inconsequential to their standing in the tournament. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has already been eliminated from contention for the final.

On the other hand, when Sri Lanka and Pakistan face off on September 14 in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST), both teams will earn a single point if the match ends in a rain-affected draw. However, it is worth noting that the Lankan Tigers will secure their place in the final due to their superior net run-rate (NRR).

Following Pakistan's substantial 228-run defeat against India, their NRR dipped to -1.892. In contrast, Sri Lanka maintains an NRR of -0.2.

The revised schedule for the remaining Asia Cup matches is as follows:

September 14: Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
September 15: Bangladesh vs. India in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)
September 17: Final in Colombo at 2:30 pm (PST)