Iftikhar believes Pakistan is the “world’s best team.”

He praised Pakistan’s spirited effort in the Asia Cup 2023.Iftikhar believes Pakistan is the “number one team in the world.”

Even though the Men in Green were eliminated from the Asia Cup on Thursday, Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed thinks they performed like the best team in the world.

At the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo Friday night, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a mock semifinal of the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

After the game, Iftikhar said, “We also performed like the best squad in the world.According to Iftikhar, Pakistan is the “number one team in the world.”

“The team as a whole is not upset about the loss. I have faith that our squad will perform well throughout the World Cup based on how they performed on the field,” he continued.

In a dramatic Asia Cup match, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by two wickets thanks to Kusal Mendis’ 91 and Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 49.

In the 42-over match in Colombo, Sri Lanka needed eight from the final over to reach the DLS amended target of 252. At 1.07 am local time, Asalanka made the game-winning shot on the final ball to help the home team win.

Millions of fans, though, who were hoping for an India-Pakistan final in the competition as a lead-up to the ODI World Cup next month, were devastated by the outcome.

Despite Shaheen Shah Afridi’s two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over and Zaman Khan’s first four deliveries handing away just two runs and a wicket in the 42nd over, the left-handed Asalanka remained composed under pressure.

“It was a difficult match.The way we fought back in the last few overs gave us confidence that we would win.Zaman, who was making his debut, also felt confident he could defend six to seven runs in the last over, Iftikhar said.

“This occurs in cricket. Six runs were needed in two balls, but the next ball was edged for four.

Mendis set Sri Lanka on course for victory through a 100-run third-wicket stand with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who hit 48, but Asalanka took over after they left.

“Kusal and Sadeera delivered outstanding knocks.” “I believe they are the best spinners in the Sri Lanka squad,” stated captain Dasun Shanaka.

“And Charith demonstrated tremendous character. Back-to-back finals are a special sensation. I’d want to thank the fans who continued to cheer us on, and I’m looking forward to the finals.”

Colombo will host the Asia Cup 2023 final between India and Sri Lanka on September 17.