Pakistan are all set to take on Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2022 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 11).

On the eve of the match, Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan expressed his desire to win the Asia Cup to bring back smiles on the faces of Pakistan people, who have been affected by one of the worst floods in the history of the nation.

"Due to the unprecedented weather conditions, one-third of Pakistan is currently underwater. Since we're away from our beloved homeland, watching the devastating calamity from afar makes it even more painful for us. We would like to win this tournament to bring lively smiles back on the faces of the people affected by the flood," Shadab said in a note published on the Pakistan Cricket Board website.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2022 campaign didn’t start positively as they were beaten by arch-rivals India in their opening match. However, the Men in Green crushed Hong Kong to make it to the Super-4, where they took revenge from India and then defeated Afghanistan to secure a spot in the final.

"When we lost the first match of the tournament against India, we were confident we will rise. And rise we did. Rizwan played exceptionally well against Hong Kong, followed by a comprehensive bowling display that helped us earn a confidence-boosting win. Nawaz demonstrated great all-round skills against India in the Super-4 match, and although, I was the player of the match against Afghanistan, those two sixes by Naseem Shah will be eternally remembered!" he wrote.

According to Shadab, a champion team is one that can handle the pressure of a big match and they are keen to claim the Asia Cup title to be called a champion side.

"We are a great team, but in order to become a champion side, we need to win this tournament and other high profile series. I have said this before that champion teams handle pressure well and prevail in clutch moments, and this is what we will aim for on the Sunday Finale. Winning against Sri Lanka and claiming the Asia Cup title is the real deal for us," the player stated.