The final of Asia Cup 2022, was a beacon of hope for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka as they took to the field, with the ambition of winning the cup for their respective nations.
Both teams, fans and citizens of Pakistan and Sri Lanka were in grave anticipation, after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. The start of the first innings seemed bad for Sri Lanka as wickets fell one after the other. Enter Bhanuka Rajapakse who saved the innings and the game for Sri Lanka with his 71 runs, also earning him the title of man of the match.
Whilst Sri Lanka is popular for its chasing, the boys displayed a spectacular bowling attack, winning the Asia Cup title for the sixth time. They won by 23 runs, earning the last wicket in the last ball, stirring excitement and avid emotion in Dubai and all over the world.
As skipper Dasun Shanaka proceeded to collect the trophy, celebrations erupted amongst the team and all the fans back home in Sri Lanka. It was a pivotal milestone for Sri Lankan cricket and just the right motivation booster before the World Cup which is round the corner.
Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga was awarded player of the tournament. Upon being interviewed about this outclass bowling regime he mentioned, “I like to bowl on the stumps, I think that helps me be successful. I try to bowl without boundaries so that’s why I got three wickets in the last over today. Our boys did a great job.”
Sri Lanka’s victory in the Asia Cup changed the course for cricket for the entire team. It’s no news that the team had to face many hurdles, criticism and negativity to get to this point, thus making the win all the more sweet for the players, and an occasion to rejoice.
As ESPN reported, at the final, Pakistan were outclassed with the bat, outsmarted with the ball and outdone in the field and what a sight it was.
