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Xtra Time Web Desk: Sri Lanka secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in a Super Four match at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on September 14. Dasun Shanaka's team will now face India, led by Rohit Sharma, in the final on September 17 at the same venue.

Pakistan, grappling with fitness and form concerns, failed to make it to the final after a strong start in the Super Four with a win over Bangladesh but subsequent losses to India and Sri Lanka proved costly.

Despite making five changes to their playing XI, Pakistan struggled. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique came in for Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel. Fakhar failed to capitalize on his second chance, while Shafique contributed 52 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan (86) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) provided a much-needed partnership for Pakistan, helping them reach 252/7 in a rain-shortened 42-over match.

In response, Sri Lanka had contributions from Kusal Mendis (91) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48). With the match going down to the wire, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva secured victory with a few well-placed shots.

Shaheen Afridi's late heroics kept Pakistan in contention, but Sri Lanka prevailed with a boundary, securing their spot in the final against India.