Hello Guys welcome back to Trendindian The Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka delivered an enthralling contest that left cricket fans puzzled. Despite both teams putting 252 runs on the board, it was Sri Lanka who emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter led by Dasun Shanaka. So, what exactly transpired in this intriguing match?
The Scorecard Paradox
Pakistan set a target of 252 runs for Sri Lanka, losing 7 wickets in the process, during their allotted 42 overs. However, it’s crucial to note that initially, the match was intended to be a 45-over-per-side contest. Rain had disrupted proceedings at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, leading to delays in the toss and the start of the game.
When the match finally commenced, it was announced that each team would play for 45 overs. Yet, rain intervened once more, forcing authorities to further reduce the match to 42 overs per side. Pakistan found themselves at 130/5 in 27.4 overs when rain halted the game for the second time, resulting in a 42-over contest.
The DLS Calculation Twist
Here’s where the puzzle unravels:
- Pakistan’s revised total was recorded as 251 runs, despite them scoring 252 runs in 42 overs.
- This deduction of 1 run was due to the Duckworth-Lewis calculation. The deduction occurred because Pakistan had lost 5 wickets before the second rain delay in the match, altering the target to 252 runs for Sri Lanka.
- It’s worth noting that if Pakistan had not lost the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz right before the rain delay in the 28th over, Sri Lanka’s target would’ve been 255 runs instead of 252. The significance of preserving wickets in hand becomes evident in DLS calculations; it can influence the revised target substantially.
Rain-Affected Matches and Strategic Importance
Rain-affected matches underscore the significance of a strong start for teams. Losing early wickets can hamper a team’s chances of achieving a more favorable revised total, even if they perform well in the later stages of the match.
In this particular game, Sri Lanka showcased their composure in the death overs, securing their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final. With just 6 runs needed from the final 2 balls, the batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka held his nerve and sealed the victory for Sri Lanka, setting the stage for an exciting final clash against India.
