Pakistan has qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy’s semi-finals after defeating Sri Lanka by three wickets at Cardiff on Monday.
A 75-run partnership between Sarfraz Ahmed and Muhammad Amir took Pakistan to an incredible victory.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Sri Lanka set the victory target of 237 runs and Pakistan achieved the target with seven wickets lost.
Rest of the Story was posted prior of the beginning of ICC Champions Trophy group B between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Cardiff on June 12, 2017.
Since the ICC Champions Trophy held for the first time back in 1998, Pakistan has yet been endeavoring to reach its final; though having been appeared in three Semi Finals in 2000, 2004 and 2009.
Now just a one win away for qualifying for fourth Semi Final, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday, expecting to further improve its performance it did against South Africa.
Prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, both the said teams were not being considered seriously with regard to the Semi Finals but their last respective adventures against opponents empowered them to advance further.
Pakistan beat South Africa at Edgbaston on June 7 while a day after Sri Lanka stunned India at The Oval, securing two crucial points each. Today’s battle in Cardiff will determine who will face England in the first Semi Final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 at the same venue on June 14.
In ICC Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka has 59.9 winning percentage, better than Pakistan’s 38.88. But in terms of overall bilateral meetings, Pakistan won 84 ODIs out of 147 it played against Sri Lanka which in returned bagged 58 victories. One match remained ties while four ended without any result.
It’s been a long time since these two teams met each other outside Asia last time. They last ODI in which they faced each other took place in 2002. In last 10 ODIs held in Asia between the two teams, Sri Lanka won six.
Earlier on Sunday, India knocked out South Africa of the tournament, ensuring its entrance at Edgbaston where it will meet Bangladesh in second Semi Final on June 15.
The final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 will take place at The Oval on June 18.
