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[Watch] Babar Azam Breaks Down in Tears as Pakistan's Asia Cup Dream Ends

image-lmk44tndBabar Azam breaks down after their defeat to Sri Lanka | Source: Twitter 

Pakistan got edged out in a nail-biter against Sri Lanka in a do-or-die Super Fours match of Asia Cup 2023 as they suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat on Thursday, September 14 at Colombo's R.Premadasa Stadium and got eliminated out of the tournament. 

Sri Lanka were chasing DLS 'adjusted target of 252 runs, and it seemed like a cake walk for them as Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama were looking in a great touch, and put on a massive 100-run partnership for the third wicket.  

However, the tide started to shift when Iftikhar Ahmed, with his part-time off-spin, began to make waves in the Sri Lankan middle-order. He first dismantled the partnership by getting Samarawickrama stumped just a hair away from his half-century. 

Then, he rattled Sri Lanka by dismissing their dangerous looking batter Kusal Mendis for 91. He kept his onslaught as he dismissed the Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for just two runs and reduced them for 222/5 in 37.4 overs. 


PAK vs SL: Final Overs Drama 

However, the real drama was yet to unfold, and it all began in the final two overs. That's when Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi took centre stage to bowl the second-to-last over, and just like he always does, he completely turned the game on its head. 

This fast bowling sensation gave away only three runs in his first three deliveries and then wrapped up the over with a double wicket on the fourth and fifth delivery, conceding just a single on the last delivery, leaving Sri Lanka needing eight runs to win from the final over.

While all this was happening, Charith Asalanka holding the fort meant Sri Lanka was still in the driver's seat. But Babar Azam handed the ball to Zaman Khan, a debutant who wasn't even part of Pakistan's Asia Cup squad until a couple of nights ago. Now, he had the daunting task of defending seven runs in the final over, with a spot in the tournament at stakes. 

Zaman, meanwhile, stepped up to the occasion and delivered four brilliant deliveries, giving away just two runs. Now, Sri Lanka was feeling the heat. They required 6 runs from the last two deliveries and that’s where the game changed. 

Zaman charged in and aimed for a wide yorker against well-set Asalanka. The southpaw swung for the fences, got a thin edge, and the ball breached the boundary. Zaman slumped to the ground, covered his face in his arms, knowing it was a game-changing moment. A ball later, Asalanka took double to seal the deal for Sri Lanka. 

As the whole drama unfolded, Zaman Khan, along with Iftikhar Ahmed and skipper Babar Azam, could not keep a lid on their emotions. They were visibly choked up as Asalanka took those crucial runs, and knocked Pakistan out of the tournament. Babar Azam, later found his inner strength and went over to the youngsters, especially Zaman Khan to boost their spirits. 


Watch video of Babar Azam crying: 


Afterwards, Shaheen Afridi also gave the right-arm sensation, a friendly pat on the back as Zaman wiped the sweat and maybe a few tears from his face. Pakistan, the pre-tournament favourites in the Asia Cup 2023, got a harsh wake-up call and now realise they have got some serious graft ahead before the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.