New Delhi: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan (SL vs PAK) by 23 runs in the final match of Asia Cup 2022 played in UAE. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 170 runs in 20 overs in the final match. In response, Pakistan’s team went on 147 runs only. Sri Lanka has won the Asia Cup title after eight years. With this, Sri Lanka managed to win the Asia Cup for the sixth time.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were the heroes of this blazing victory of Sri Lanka. Hasaranga displayed his all-rounder performance with both the ball and the bat. Hasaranga first played a blistering inning of 36 runs in 21 balls and then picked up important three wickets. Whereas, Rajapaksa’s innings of 71 not out strengthened the game team and took it. At the same time, young fast bowler Pramod Madhushan also played an important role in this victory. He took four wickets for 34 runs.
This victory means a lot not only for Sri Lankan cricket but also historically and politically. After losing five wickets for 58 runs at one stage, Sri Lanka scored 170 for six with the help of Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s unbeaten 71 off 45 balls. In reply, the Pakistani team was bowled out for 147, while at one point their score was 93 for two. Fast bowler Pramod Madhushan took four for 34 in four overs and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took three for 27 in four overs.
Hasaranga dashed Pakistan’s hopes by taking three wickets in the 17th over. Earlier, Madhushan tightened the screws on Sri Lanka by dismissing Babar Azam (five) and Fakhar Zaman (0). Mohammad Rizwan made 55 off 49 balls while Iftikhar Ahmed made 32 off 31 balls. Sri Lanka showed great agility in the field, saving runs and taking good catches while the Pakistani fielders were disappointed. Earlier, removing the team from the opening blows given by the Pakistani fast bowlers, Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored an unbeaten 71 to take Sri Lanka to 170 for six.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl, which initially seemed to be correct but Rajapaksa scored 50 runs in the last four overs to take Sri Lanka to a respectable score. Naseem Shah took one wicket for 40 runs in four overs while Haris Rauf took three wickets for 29 runs in four overs. Both took full advantage of the help from the pitch and broke the back of the Sri Lankan batting in the powerplay, but Rajapaksa then played the role of troubleshooter and scored the best half-century of his career. Spinner Shadab Khan took one wicket for 28 runs in four overs.
Rajapaksa scored an unbeaten 71 in 45 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes and Wanindu Hasaranga scored 36 runs in 21 balls. The duo shared a scintillating partnership of 58 runs while Sri Lanka’s score at one point was 58 for five. Rajapaksa with Chamika Karunaratne added 54 runs to take Sri Lanka past 160. Pakistan’s 19-year-old fast bowler Shah continued his excellent form and sent Kusal Mendis to the pavilion without opening the account. Dhananjay de Silva (28 off 21 balls) did take some good shots but could not last long. Pathum Nisanka (eight) was sent to the pavilion by Rauf while Dhanushka Gunatilka (a) fell for his excellent outswinger.
