BY - srushti sharma
Pakistan did have their chances here and there in the innings, threatening to knock out the champions and script a much- anticipated maiden Asia Cup final against India
Sri Lanka needed eight runs from the final over to win the match with Asalanka, on 42 off 43 on the wrong end, and three wickets in hand
Pakistan looked destined to win. But all changed in a moment of underrated brilliance. Zaman bowled full, slow and outside off as Pramod went for the swing and missed. Asalanka meanwhile had taken off for a single already
Pramod, having seen his partner more than halfway through the track, could have or rather should have sprinted off as well to complete the single and not give away another wicket to Pakistan
Pramod's act will go down as the biggest sacrifice if Sri Lanka go on to defend the trophy on Sunday, let alone in the win against Pakistan
Pramod stayed at the crease and waited for Asalanka to fully cross over before he left for the other end of the crease
Had he gone the usual way, Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan could have easily gotten Asalanka run out and Sri Lanka would have been done and dusted.
But instead, he sacrificed his own wicket to give Sri Lanka the chance by getting Aslanka back on strike. Rizwan later missed his throw, but Zaman collected it and ran out Pramod
Law 30.2 of the MCC, pertaining to "which is a batter's ground" explains that: "If only one batter is within a ground, it is his/her ground and will remain so even if he/she is later joined there by the other batter