Colombo, Sep 14 (PTI) Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47) put up a timely 108-run stand to steer Pakistan to a commanding 252 for 7 against Sri Lanka after rain reduced the Super Four Asia Cup match to 42-overs a side contest here on Thursday.

Opting to bat in the crucial fixture, opener Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) shared a 64-run stand with skipper Babar Azam (29).

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But it was Rizwan and Iftikhar who provided the final flourish, taking Pakistan across the 250-run mark.

The match is a virtual semifinal, the winner of the game will play against India in the final on Sunday.

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For Sri Lanka, young pacer Matheesha Pathirana (3/64) was the most successful bowler.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 252 for 7 in 42 overs (Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out), Abdullah Shafique 52; Matheesha Pathirana 3/64)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)