PAK vs SL: Shaheen Afridi consoles heartbroken Zaman Khan after youngster fails to defend 8 runs in final over

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PAK vs SL: Pakistan faced a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat (DLS Method) in their must-win Super Fours match against Sri Lanka and crashed out of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday.

Chasing a 252-run target in 42 overs, Sri Lanka needed eight runs of the final over as Babar Azam gave Zaman Khan the responsibility to defend the target for Pakistan. The 22-year-old, who was making his ODI debut in the absence of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, bowled beautifully but luck was not on his side.

The first four deliveries saw him give away two runs and take one wicket. The fifth delivery was an edge which went between the wicket-keeper and short third-man fielder. The ball raced past the boundary rope as Zaman Khan, Babar Azam and the whole of Pakistan could rue their luck.

With two runs needed off the final delivery, Charith Asalanka just worked a full length delivery behind square for a double. As soon as the Sri Lanka batters completed the second run, Zaman Khan was spotted on the cusp of breaking into tears.

Senior-most Pakistan pacer in the match and Zaman Khan's captain at Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi came to his rescue and was seen consoling the pace sensation by putting his arm around his shoulders. Have a look at the pictures which have gone viral.

Zaman Khan started off his ODI career with a maiden over and finished with match figures of 0/39 in six overs. He was inducted in the playing eleven ahead of Shahnawaz Dahani. Notably, Zaman and Dahani were called in the team after Naseem and Haris were ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023.

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.