Asia Cup 2022 Final: Sri Lanka won by defeating Pakistan on the basis of Wanindu Hasaranga and Bhanuka Rajapaksa
For Sri Lanka facing political and economic instability, 11 of its players emerged as heroes on the cricket field.
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Sri Lanka performed brilliantly to beat Pakistan by 23 runs in the 2022 Asia Cup final on Sunday. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (71*) and Vanindu Hasaranga (3/27) were heroes of the night for Sri Lanka as they won their sixth continental title in Dubai. After being invited to bat, Sri Lanka posted a strong score of 170/6 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Pakistan was reduced to 147 runs.
Sri Lanka scored 170 runs
After inviting Sri Lanka to bat first, Pakistan started with a bang. Naseem Shah dismissed Kusal Mendis in the first over of the match, but Rajapaksa along with Dhananjay de Silva (28) and Wanindu Hasaranga (36) extended the score. Rajapaksa played a brilliant innings of 71 runs and contributed significantly to the team posting a score of 170.
Babar Azam Failed
Captain Babar Azam once again proved unsuccessful for Pakistan. He got out after scoring 5 runs in 6 balls. Mohammad Rizwan (55) shared a 71-run partnership with Iftikhar Ahmed (32). But except Haris Rauf (13), none of the batsmen could reach double digits after the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan looked completely helpless today.
Madhushanka took 4 wickets
Sri Lankan fast bowler Pramod Madhushanka 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, Madhushanka had tightened the noose on Pakistan by dismissing Babar Azam (five) and Fakhar Zaman (0). Mohammad Rizwan scored 55 runs in 49 balls while Iftikhar Ahmed added 32 runs in 31 balls. Sri Lanka showed great promptness in the fielding, saving runs and taking good catches, while the Pakistani fielders disappointed.
Rajapaksa scored 71 runs off 45 balls
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. Both shared a quick partnership of 58 runs, while at one point Sri Lanka's score was 58 for five wickets. Rajapaksa with Chamika Karunaratne added 54 runs and took Sri Lanka past 160. Pakistan's 19-year-old fast bowler Shah, continuing his excellent form, sent Kusal Mendis to the pavilion without opening the account.