Sri Lanka clinched the Asia Cup 2022 title with a comprehensive 23-run victory over Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 11).
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka rode on Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s unbeaten 71 off 45 balls to post 170/6 on the board after being reduced to 58/5 at one stage. Wanindu Hasaranga also played a dazzling cameo of 21-ball 36.
Defending the total, Sri Lankan bowlers’ combined effort saw Pakistan getting bundled out for 147 in 20 overs. Pramod Madushan (4-34) and Hasaranga (3-27) starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, sharing seven wickets between them. Chamika Karunaratne (2-33) also returned with a couple of scalps while Maheesh Theekshana (1-25) chipped in with a wicket.
After winning their sixth Asia Cup title, the Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankan side was seen celebrating and dancing in the dressing room.
Here’s the video:
In another video shared by the Asian Cricket Council, the Sri Lankan cricketers were seen jumping and cutting a cake to rejoice their triumph.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka also posted a video on Twitter, in which the Sri Lankan squad was seen receiving a guard of honour while entering the team hotel.
For his counter-attacking knock, Bhanuka Rajapaksa earned the Player-of-the-Match award in the final while Wanindu Hasaranga was adjudged Player-of-the-Tournament for his 9 wickets and handy contributions with the bat.
