Sri Lanka thump Pakistan by 23 runs to lift Asia Cup 2022 final

Despatched into bat after shedding the toss, Sri Lanka stumbled to 58 for five as Naseem Shah, Rauf and Shadab Khan struck key blows. Nonetheless, Rajapaksa and Hasaranga counter-attacked and featured in a beautiful half-century stand for the sixth wicket as Sri Lanka posted 170 for six. Rajapaksa struck six fours and three sixes, whereas Hasaranga 5 fours and a most.

In response, Pakistan misplaced skipper Babar Azam (5) and Fakhar Zaman (0) off consecutive deliveries to Madushan within the fourth over. Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed (32 off 31) provided some resistance, however as soon as the stand was damaged, Pakistan slipped swiftly. Hasaranga claimed all his three wickets in a single over, dismissing Rizwan, Asif Ali (0) and Khushdil Shah (2).

Chamika Karunaratne additionally chipped in with the wickets of Mohammad Nawaz (6) and Haris Rauf (13), the final wicket to fall, as Sri Lanka dominated proceedings with the ball. It was a unbelievable turnaround for Sri Lanka after having begun their Asia Cup 2022 marketing campaign with an eight-wicket hammering by the hands of Afghanistan.

Reflecting on the memorable win, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka mentioned, “I wish to thank the gang; they’ve been supporting us massively. Hopefully we made them proud at present.”

On the plan after having to bat first, the skipper replied, “In IPL 2021, Chennai received the match batting first and that’s what was in my thoughts. These children know the circumstances rather well.”

Praising the performances, he added, “Wanindu made a big impact after shedding 5 wickets. Chamika and DDS batted rather well too. The final ball six was the turning level. 170 was mentally the distinction, as 160 at all times feels chasable.”

Requested concerning the loss within the first match to Afghanistan, Shanaka mentioned it occurred for an excellent purpose. He defined, “We had critical discussions after that recreation. Each particular person did effectively for us and that’s how we grew to become champions. The fielding improved loads within the finals. We had some errors within the league levels. We had been 100% at present, credit score to the gamers and the teaching employees. I wish to thank the Sri Lankan cricket board and the selectors as effectively.”

Rajapaksa was named Participant of the Closing for his unbeaten half-century, whereas Hasaranga Participant of the Match for his all-round brilliance.

–By A Cricket Correspondent