Kusal Mendis hit 91 in their final Super Four match as they chased a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern total of 252.

Asalanka edged Zaman Khan for four and then calmly worked a few off his pads with six needed off the final two balls.

After the start was delayed due to weather, Pakistan had reached 252-7 owing to Mohammad Rizwan’s undefeated 86.

Sri Lanka finished second in the Super Four stage, and they will meet table-topping India in the final on Sunday, who play winless Bangladesh on Friday.

“We are overjoyed to have made it to the final,” Mendis added. “Everyone performed admirably overall.”

“A couple of wickets fell, but I was hoping Charith would finish the game as he has in the past.” And he accomplished it.”

Abdullah Shafique (52 off 69 balls) and skipper Babar Azam (29 off 35 balls) lay the groundwork for Pakistan’s score before Rizwan’s excellent 73-ball knock was assisted by Iftikhar Ahmed (47 off 40) and Matheesha Pathirana (3-65).

Wicketkeeper Mendis led Sri Lanka’s response with a century stand for the third wicket with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who hit 48 off 51 but was removed by Iftikhar, who got 3-50.

Two wickets in two balls by Shaheen Afridi in the penultimate over appeared to flip the momentum Pakistan’s way, leaving Sri Lanka requiring eight from the final over.

Pramod Madushan was run out off the fourth ball, but Asalanka kept his calm, finishing undefeated on 49 to help Sri Lanka cross the finish line in front of a noisy home crowd at the R. Premadasa Stadium as the clock passed 01:07 local time.

“Sri Lanka played very well, better cricket than us,” Pakistan captain Babar remarked.

“We have not performed well in bowling and fielding.” That is why we were defeated.”