In what amounted to a simulated semi-final between the two teams in the Super 4 match in Colombo, Sri Lanka prevailed, ending Pakistan Cricket Team’s aspirations of making it to the Asia Cup 2023 final. 
Babar Azam’s team came close to winning the game back, but Charith Asalanka maintained composure and led his team to a two-wicket victory. Former bowler Shoaib Akhtar was disappointed to learn that there wouldn’t be an India vs. Pakistan match at the Asia Cup since the Men In Green were disqualified from the competition.
Following the injury to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, Akhtar hailed the new Pakistani bowler Zaman Khan. Although Zaman failed to claim a wicket, the seasoned bowler was still pleased by Zaman’s overall game effort.
“You watched the game. Pakistan is no longer in the competition. Zaman Khan handled every aspect of the contest that Pakistan won. He arrived the day before yesterday, and this young man had a great Pakistan Super League bowling performance. He was the only reason Pakistan had any hope of winning the game. Although Shaheen Afridi also claimed a few wickets, Zaman deserves the praise. On his YouTube account, Akhtar claimed in a video, “He bowled pretty well.
Akhtar continued by stating that Sri Lanka were the superior team on the day, despite the fact that Pakistan deserved to be in the 2023 Asia Cup final.
Pakistan should have advanced to the Asia Cup final but was eliminated. They are subject to a lot of criticism since they were considered the “favorites” but are no longer in the competition. A Pakistan vs. India encounter in the championship game is sadly impossible since it has never taken place (kabhi Pakistan, India ka match (final) ho nahi sakta, kabhi hua nahi). Though Sri Lanka deserved to get to the finals, this was the opportunity. They were by far the superior squad, he said.
The ODI World Cup was approaching, so Akhtar urged Babar Azam’s team to be ready for the major tournament.
Having said that, this defeat is really humiliating. It doesn’t seem good that Pakistan was eliminated from the competition. Pakistan has several things on their minds. The captaincy may need some improvement. I’m really disappointed. Can’t say much more,” he concluded.