Cardiff: Pakistan became the third Asian team after India and Bangladesh to reach the semifinals of ICC Champions Trophy 2017. England is the other team. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in a closely fought match.
Earlier, batting first, Sri Lanka bowled out for 236 in 49.2 overs. Niroshan Dickwella was the top scorer with 73. Angelo Mathews scored 39. Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali took 3 wickets each, while Mohammad Amir and Fahim Ashraf took 2 wickets each.
Chasing a victory target of 237, Pakistan were 137/6 at one stage. However, skipper Sarfraz Ahmed played the anchor’s role. Azhar Ali (34) and Fakhar Zaman (50) contributed well.
Sarfraz remained unbeaten on 61, as Pakistan reached 237/7 in 44.5 overs and won the match by 3 wickets. Nuwan Pradeep took 3 wickets for Sri Lanka. Sarfraz Ahmed was declared ‘Player of the Match’.
Pakistan will take on England in the first semifinal on June 14, while India and Bangladesh will play the second semifinal on June 15.
Ms Kalinga