Watch: Shadab Khan effected a brilliant direct hit at the non-striker’s end after a clean pickup and throw from point to run out Kusal Perera at the start of Sri Lanka’s run-chase against Pakistan in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup in Colombo today (September 14).

Pakistan put up a strong total of 252 in a rain-affected first innings that was reduced to 42 overs. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with an unbeaten 86 off 73 balls.

Sri Lanka were given a target of DLS-adjusted target of 252. Pathum Nissanka came out to open with comeback man Kusal Perera, playing his first ODI in two years. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi opened the bowling alongside debutant Zaman Khan.

Perera didn’t take any time to get going. He hit Afridi for two boundaries in the first over and one in the third. Zaman, who bowled a maiden first-up to Nissanka, was hit for a boundary on the very first ball he bowled to Perera.

However, the fun didn’t last long for the left-hander. On the second ball of the fourth over, he defended a ball towards point. Hesitant to go for a run, when Perera saw Nissanka dash through from the other end, he reluctantly went ahead but took a lot of time to get started.

Shadab, who is a regular at point for Pakistan, sprinted in to receive the ball. In one swift motion, he picked up the ball and threw it at the bowler’s end, knocking the stumps over. Perera dived full-length to make his way in but was caught well short, handing Pakistan their first wicket of the innings.

Watch Shadab Khan run out Kusal Perera with a direct hit:

SPOT ON! 🎯

Arguably one of the finest fielders, @76shadabkhan runs the dangerous looking @KusalJPerera out with a stunning direct-hit! 👏🏻💥

Tune-in to #AsiaCupOnStar, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network#PAKvSL #Cricket pic.twitter.com/oxR1X3wLWt

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 14, 2023

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