Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2022 Remaining Highlights: SL win their sixth title, beat PAK by 23 runs in Dubai

After that dialog with Shastri, Shanaka goes over to gather the trophy. He poses for a photograph with it and as quickly as his teammates know that the honours have been achieved, they engulf him. An unbelievable efficiency from the Sri Lankans right this moment and all through this match. That is greater than only a nice preparation for them and this proud cricketing nation. This group has seen some arduous, arduous occasions off late and sadly, so has the nation they signify for myriad causes in latest months. Cricket is simply a sport, and there could also be many who would not have the ability to care about this win in the mean time in Sri Lanka even when they wished to. However there could also be others who would take a second from their hardships to rejoice this win in their very own method and it’s Shanaka’s males who’ve created that little island of happiness for his or her folks. The likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda De Silva and Lasith Malinga and lots of extra greats have all represented this nation and left an inedible mark on this sport. Let’s hope for the sake of cricket {that a} sturdy Sri Lankan aspect re-emerges from this win. That is it from us for this match, we hope you loved it as a lot as we did, there have been some terribly shut matches throughout the board over the past two weeks or so. Good evening and goodbye!

Earlier than he lifts that trophy, he has a chat with Ravi Shastri and takes the chance to thank the struggling folks of his nation. “I need to thank the gang, they have been supporting us massively. And likewise to the followers at house, hope we made them proud. (Toss consequence) If I am going again to IPL 2021, it was Chennai who gained the ultimate after batting first. These children know situations and scenario rather well. After shedding 5 wickets, Hasaranga-Rajapaksa made a distinction. Up entrance, Chamika and DDS batted rather well too. (Chat at midway stage) The last-ball six within the twentieth over was the turnaround level. 170 is all the time a difficult whole. (What did you inform bowlers?) It was all about nerves. I knew the teenager can all the time ship. He can go unsuitable at first however now we have given him the belief and perception. (Loss within the first sport, right this moment the winners… what was the dialogue that day?) It might occur to any good group. It occurred to us for a superb purpose. We had critical discussions after that. We’ve gamers with good calibre, and so they stood up effectively. That is the place we turned champions. (Fielding effort in remaining) It improved loads by the point we reached the ultimate. We made errors earlier, however remaining is all the time the ultimate. We have been 100% right this moment, credit score to gamers and training employees.”

“Wish to congratulate Sri Lanka, they performed some excellent cricket. The way in which we dominated them early, their partnership after that was excellent. The pitch was good, just like the Dubai wicket, all the time enjoyable to play right here. As a batting unit we did not do in accordance with our potential. (15-20 additional runs conceded?) We did not end the best way we’d’ve wished to. However there are many positives from the match. Our fielding wasn’t up to speed right this moment, and our middle-order could not end effectively right this moment. However there have been lot of particular person performances: Rizwan, Shadab, Nawaz and Naseem. The way in which Naseem expressed himself in his first match. (Batting high-quality tuning?) A part of the sport. The extra you study from these ups and downs is nice. However it is advisable scale back your errors,” Babar says. 

He finishes with 9 wickets, second highest wicket taker within the match behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He additionally scored a complete of 66 runs. “Once I went to bat, we have been 60/5 so we deliberate that if we are able to rating over 150 that may be a good whole. And I mentioned that I’ll play my very own function, in order that’s why I performed my regular photographs. (What did you consider the pitch?) First few overs, ball was swinging. However once I was batting, wicket was actually good. (Bowling efficiency by way of the tourney) I like to bowl in subcontinent. I wish to bowl on the stumps, I feel that helps me profitable. I attempt to bowl with out boundaries in order that’s why I bought three wickets within the final over right this moment. (Fielders and catchers helped) Our boys did nice job, particularly after shedding to Afghanistan,” says Hasaranga. 

Laborious to argue in opposition to that, though Wanindu Hasaranga’s innings and three wickets and Pramod Madushan’s 4/34 got here shut. “It was not simple on the market. They have been bowling effectively. Wanindu and I had a pleasant plan. Nature of SL group is to be optimistic and never have strain. That helped us rating runs. (Did you talk about who would be the aggressor?) When Iftikhar was bowling, Wanindu wished to assault, however fortuitously each of us have been getting the runs. (Thoughts and thought to your sport right this moment?) I needed to change my sport right this moment since Pakistan have been high in the mean time. Needed to spend a while within the crease. (Goal in thoughts?) When Chris got here to speak to us on the drinks break, I informed him that it appears like a 140 pitch. And ultimately we stayed until the top and the eventual goal was a lot completely different. This can be a sport of momentum, and we set the momentum within the final over of the primary innings,” he tells Shastri. 

That’s what Maheesh Theekshana calls this group in his tweet. “No must have world class gamers, when you might have 11 brothers,” he says. 

Ravi Shastri’s booming voice is again. He reads out the sponsors and names the of the dignitaries current, which incorporates former India and Pakistan captains Sourav Ganguly and Rameez Raja, each current of their capability of the positions they maintain within the BCCI and PCB respectively. 

Wasim Akram says unequivocally that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan can’t each be enjoying as anchors after they open the innings collectively. 

The batting legends have tweeted out their ideas on this Sri Lankan aspect. “Good toss to lose boys !! Confirmed character and fervour to play for the nation and so happy with each one… benefit from the victory as complete nation will.. good group effort #AsiaCup2022 ,” mentioned Jayawardene. 

“@OfficialSLC @dasunshanaka1 @BhanukaRajapak3 superb win and completely deserved. Performed like a group of true champions. You have got stored inspiring as a aspect,” mentioned Sangakkara. 

Dasun Shanaka has joined fairly an unique membership right this moment. A membership that has Duleep Mendis (1986), Arjuna Ranatunga (1997), Marvan Atapattu (2004), Mahela Jayawardene (2008) and Angelo Mathews (2014). 

“I feel if any group thinks about toss, then they aren’t a champion group. Sri Lanka have been that right this moment, they did not consider toss. After which they harm us for our errors. They deserved to be champions. (SL 67/5 after ten overs, after that what occurred?) We made errors. We’re human. We additionally performed effectively by way of the match, however we misplaced the momentum within the first innings. In T20 cricket, whichever group has higher momentum on the change of innings has the benefit.”

“He (Dhananjaya de Silva) set the tone on the high for us. Good thing is at any given level everyone’s put their arms up. Simply needed to get a technique. Had confidence within the expertise within the group. Got here in with a really younger seam assault – seeing them carry out has been excellent. It is not proper to choose one particular person out – it has been a group effort.”

“Really feel so good. Profitable after seven years. One and a half years in the past, we have been nowhere. Now we’re a distinct group with children. I really feel so good. (Dropping toss and successful) Coach mentioned, don’t fret, no matter occurs on the toss we are able to do it. Present your perspective and play your regular sport. We promised to battle and present ourselves. There was lot of arduous work. Gamers pushed their limits. The boys have been glorious, even after the primary loss. They pushed themselves each time.”

Their finest days are sometimes spoken of previously tense and it appeared like Sri Lanka are going to crash out of this match as effectively after they have been thrashed by Afghanistan within the first match. They proved everybody unsuitable and the way. Right this moment, Rajapaksa and Hasaranga stepped up with the bat after which Madushan took cost by taking 4 wickets in his spell. Hasaranga then adopted up with the ball with that extraordinary seventeenth over through which he picked three wickets. And simply to drive house how uncommon it’s for Sri Lanka to drag off one thing like this, they are going to now should qualify for the T20 World Cup later this 12 months as they’re ranked a lowly eighth within the standings. 

That is the sixth Asia Cup title within the bag for this extraordinary Sri Lankan aspect. How they’ve struggled to stay as much as the glories of the previous in recent times and but, they’ve put all that behind them, strung collectively 5 consecutive wins and really gone and brought the title. Do not pinch your self Sri Lankan followers, this has truly occurred. Your group have overwhelmed the likes of India and Pakistan to the Asia Cup title. 

Pramod Madushan ends his spell with figures of 4/34. Hasnain goes for an almighty mow over midwicket and connects completely. 

The collapse continues. Naseem goes for an enormous shot over lengthy off. It was a slower supply and he finally ends up holing on the market. What a second that is going to be for this group and the nation. 

Naseem c Karunaratne b Madushan 4 (2), Pakistan 125/9 in 18.2 overs

Sri Lanka can odor the trophy now, Shadab Khan falls to Maheesh Theekshana Pakistan 120/8 in 18 overs, they’ve misplaced their final 5 wickets for simply 18 runs. 

Shadab Khan c Gunathilaka b Theekshana 8 (6), Pakistan 120/8 in 18 overs

Hasaranga takes three within the seventeenth over after scoring a 21-ball 36 whereas batting. Sixth title loading. Kushdil slogs in opposition to the spin, brief third man takes it. 

Khushdil Shah c Theekshana b Hasaranga 2 (4), Pakistan 112/7 in16.5 overs

Sri Lanka can odor it now. The damaging Asif Ali, in all probability the one participant who might’ve pulled off this ridiculous chase, completely deceived by the googly. Hasaranga taking Sri Lanka house now.  

Asif Ali b Hasaranga 0 (1), PAK 111/6, want 60 to win in 21 balls

Sport over? Tossed up outdoors off, Rizwan cannot join the large shot and is caught at midwicket. 

Rizwan c Gunathilaka b Hasaranga 55 (49), Pakistan 110/5 in 16.1 overs, want 61 to win in 23 balls

Pakistan want much more of that to say the least. He has bought to 54 off 47 balls and Pakistan want 62 to win off 25. 

Wicket no.4 falls, that is Sri Lanka’s sport to lose now. Ball will get huge on Nawaz and he miscues the pull shot, holes out at deep backward sq.. 

Nawaz c Madushan b Karunaratne 6 (9), Pakistan 102/4 in 15.2 overs, want 69 to win in 28 balls

Pakistan want 70 to win off 30 balls. They underneath the pump now. Time’s working out for Rizwan, he has scored simply 47 runs in 45 balls, Dhananjaya has Nawaz’s quantity and simply does not enable him to go huge. Sri Lanka are firmly on high right here. 

The Sri Lankan fielders are completely flying round. Nawaz smashes Dhananjaya de Silva down the bottom over the bowler’s head for what appears like a sure-shot 4. However then Gunathilaka comes charging in, places in a full stretch dive and catches the ball earlier than it goes over the boundary. 

Within the air… and it is taken within the deep. Iftikhar bought the peak however not the gap. He cleared the entrance leg in opposition to Madushan to go for an enormous hit however the fielder at deep backward sq. bought underneath it and held it safely. Pakistan lose their third wicket.

PAK 93-3

A wicket right here will put extra strain on Pakistan. Looks as if Iftikhar and Rizwan wish to take the sport deep as a substitute of tonking some huge hits proper now. Theekshana concedes simply 3 runs from the thirteenth over. Pakistan want 80 runs from the remaining 7 overs.

PAK 91-2

11.2: SIX!!! Iftikhar produces a much-needed boundary for Pakistan. Hasaranga bowls it full outdoors off and Iftikhar swings throughout the road and sends it into the stands.

11.3: FOUR! Iftikhar taking up the perfect bowler from Sri Lanka’s combine. He picks up Hasaranga’s googly to hit it inside-out in direction of long-on.

PAK 84-2

Rizwan is on 36 off 34, Iftikhar on 17 off 20. Pakistan want 103 to win from 60 balls, anybody’s sport in the mean time. This sport is hanging on a knife’s edge. 

Lot of working between the wickets for Rizwan and he appears completely famished within the punishing Dubai climate. He’s on 33 off 31. 

Good size from Theekshana outdoors off, Rizwan hangs again, performs it late and simply helps it alongside its method. 

Sri Lanka would wish to get Rizwan out as rapidly as attainable now. He hits a 4 off the primary ball of the eighth to achieve 24 off as many. Rizwan has been Pakistan’s spine all through this match. 

This powerplay stays with the bowlers as effectively, though Sri Lanka have achieved a greater job of proscribing Pakistan than the latter did earlier within the match. 

No hat-trick for Madushan however that over has turned this powerplay in Sri Lanka’s favour. Pakistan weren’t scoring at a superb price and there was all the time a hazard of this occurring. What a sport that is. 

Drags on to the stumps and Madushan’s on a hat-trick. The momentum has shifted right here. The shot was merely not on and the Sri Lankans go wild on the sector and within the stands. This match continues to shift one option to the opposite, each these sides simply do not appear to know when they’re down. 

Fakhar Zaman b Madushan 0 (1), Pakistan 22/2 in 3.3 overs

That is the large fish! Babar falls with out troubling the scorers as soon as once more and that seals the nightmare he has had within the Asia Cup this 12 months. 

Babar Azam c Madushanka b Madushan 5 (6), Pakistan 22/1 in 3.2 overs

Madushanka bowls effectively after that, gifting away simply two runs however for as soon as, Pakistan’s run price was 60.0 after that first ball. This can be a enormous benefit that they have, can they make use of it?

After 5 illegitimate deliveries, Madushanka lastly manages to get it proper and Rizwan takes a single. That makes Pakistan’s rating 10/0 in 0.1 overs. 

Down the leg aspect as soon as once more and Madushanka has given away 9 runs with out bowling a single reliable supply!

Wow, Madushanka bowls one other huge one and this time it’s too far for the keeper to achieve. That is 5 wides added on. 

Dilshan Madushanka bowling the primary over to Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam on the different finish. Naseem Shah had began with a large ball for Pakistan. Madushanka first begins with a no-ball, then bowls a bouncer that is known as huge, then strays down the leg aspect for one more huge. 

Sanjay Manjrekar tries speaking to him about that peach he bowled to get Kusal Mendis however Naseem is fairly gloomy after that final over. “We should always’ve restricted Sri Lanka to round 120. It was swinging and seaming early on, however the wicket bought higher as the sport progressed,” he says. 

Superlatives will not be sufficient to explain this efficiency from Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Let’s begin with the numbers, he has scored 71 runs in 45 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. He has taken Sri Lanka from 58/5 to 170/6. First there was a 58-run stand for the sixth wicket with Wanindu Hasaranga, through which it was the latter that scored extra runs. He then put up an unbeaten 54 run stand with Chamika Karunaratne in 31 balls and it was Rajapaksa who scored the vast majority of the runs on this one. Little question he was greater than fortunate off the final ball of the penultimate over, with the fielder dropping a catch and it turning into a six as effectively. However Rajapaksa held fort when it was wanted, one thing we do not affiliate with him, after which made his personal luck. Sri Lanka might be mighty proud of this, Pakistan will want some actual psychological booster photographs to get this chase going. They have been completely dominant within the first 10 overs however the stability shifted fully in Sri Lanka’s favour within the subsequent 10. 

Naseem Shah goes full for the second final ball of the innings, Rajapaksa simply ramps it behind for a one-bounce 4. 

Fearful silence across the floor. These replays present simply how sickening that blow was for Shadab, his face rippled like that of a boxer who simply took a knockout punch. He ultimately strikes off the sector and sits along with his head down past the boundary. Sri Lanka are 155/6 at first of the final over. 

This nearly occurred throughout Pakistan’s match in opposition to India and it has occurred now. Rajapaksa hits the final ball of the nineteenth over excessive into the evening sky. The ball is within the air for an eternity, Asif Ali has positioned himself beneath it, fully unaware of the truth that Shadab Khan is coming actually flying in. Replays present that the ball slipped out of Asif’s arms when Shadab collided with him and went straight over the boundary, which suggests what might have been a catch has now turn out to be a six. One other replay exhibits that Shadab was in full flight when his head collided sickeningly with Asif. The spinner has taken the worst of it and he’s down.

Among the many finest you will note on this sport. His group was underneath a pile of strain when he got here in and he has bought to the mark in 35 balls.  

Within the slot on center stump by Naseem, Chamika Karunaratne smacks it over the bowler’s head, over everybody’s head, and into the stands straight down the bottom. 16 runs from the seventeenth, Sri Lanka 136/6

Naseem bowls it full onto Rajapaksa’s pads, the Sri Lankan picks it up expertly to place it past third man who’s effectively contained in the circle. What an innings this has been from Rajapaksa. He’s arguably their greatest star title amongst batters and he has delivered within the remaining. 

Overpitches it simply outdoors off, Hasaranga makes room to chop it however he finally ends up high edging it to the wicketkeeper. It’s that man once more for Pakistan. 

Hasaranga c Mohammad Rizwan b Haris Rauf 36 (21), Sri Lanka 116/6 in 14.5 overs

Babar brings again his go-to man Haris Rauf however he has simply been smashed for again to again boundaries by Hasaranga! A number of nervous faces now within the Pakistan camp. 

The partnership between Rajapaksa and Hasaranga has swollen to 48 off 32 balls. Hasaranga is on 26 off 16 whereas Rajapaksa has scored 37 off 28. What a fightback this has been.

Shadab tosses it up on leg, Rajapaksa dances down the monitor and hammers it over the bowler’s head for his fifth boundary. 

What a shot that’s! Sri Lanka lastly have a partnership going. Brief from Hasnain and Hasaranga flays it high-quality for the primary six of the innings. Sri Lanka 99/5 in 13 overs. 

Late reduce from Rajapaksa and that runs behind to the boundary. Now then, Pakistan would not need these two to get a partnership going right here. 

Second boundary of the eleventh over, Shadab has bowled a uncommon costly one right here. Flat at a size round off, Hasaranga rocks again and cuts it behind sq..

Pakistan’s match all the best way. Some good bowling from them, coupled with a few rash photographs in latest overs from Sri Lanka has put them firmly within the driver’s seat in these first 10 overs. 

Poor from Dasun Shanaka, going for an enormous cross-batted shot after simply going through three balls. He misses it, perhaps will get a tiny backside edge and the ball takes the stumps. Shadab Khan will get his first wicket of the match. 

Shanaka b Shadab Khan 2 (3), Sri Lanka 58/5 in 8.5 overs

Dhananjaya tries to hit it over the bowler Iftikhar Ahmed’s head, finally ends up hitting it straight into his arms. Sri Lanka in actual bother now. That is Iftikhar Ahmed’s first worldwide wicket in 2 years! 

Dhananjaya de Silva c & b Iftikhar Ahmed 28 (21), Sri Lanka 53/4 in 7.4 overs

Properly achieved by Rajapaksa. Shadab bowling the seventh and he sends one in that straightens a bit from around the wicket. Rajapaksa performs with delicate arms and nudges to the third man boundary. 

What an exhilarating interval of play that was. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah respiratory hearth and SL batters taking cowl. Aside from Dhananjaya de Silva, who appears to be the one one who has come to phrases with the Pakistan bowlers. He hasn’t actually been capable of get an excessive amount of strike within the final two overs, actually he was not on strike in any respect within the sixth over, and has made in 24 in 15. 

Rajapaksa will get a boundary off his first ball however he would know that may be a fortunate one. Thick outdoors edge and the ball completely races away to the boundary as a result of it was delivered at 153kph. 

Oh the stumps may simply have damaged in half! That torpedoes in at 151kph and smashes into Danushka Gunathilaka’s center and off stump. 

Gunathilaka b Haris Rauf 1 (4), Sri Lanka 36/3 in 5.1 overs

That is his fourth boundary, all of them have been superb entrance foot drives by way of and over the covers. This time he goes on the backfoot and sends the ball by way of that area. He’s on 24 off 15. 

Good catch from Babar Azam working backwards from mid-off. Nissanka miscues his lofted shot down the bottom and Haris Rauf has bought a wicket off the second ball of his 1st over.

Nissanka c Babar Azam b Haris Rauf 8 (11), SL 23/2 in 2.3 overs

Or no less than that appears to be the case for now. This time it’s Pathum Nissanka in opposition to Naseem Shah. He makes the ball pitch within the batter’s half of the pitch and Nissanka leans into a wonderful drive. Sri Lanka 20/1 after 2.3 overs. 

One other fullish half volley from Hasnain and this time, Dhananjaya goes excessive of the in-field to ship the ball to the boundary. Second cowl drive this over and this one was extra superb than the final. Hasnain not discovered his line but. 

145kph from Mohammad Hasnain however it’s properly within the slot for brand spanking new batter Dhananjaya de Silva. He leands into a stunning cowl drive and the ball races away to the boundary.

Kusal Mendis gone for a golden duck, his stumps are an entire mess behind him. That’s pure gold from Naseem Shah, Mendis had as a lot thought of what to do with that supply as we’d rthat supply as now we have proper now of an asteroid that strikes the Earth within the subsequent quarter-hour. 142kph, tailing in after which seaming in, it clips – or fairly singes – Mendis’s pads earlier than slamming into the stumps.  

Mendis b Naseem Shah 0 (1), Sri Lanka 2/1 in 0.3 overs

Naseem Shah begins the ultimate off with a large, bowling to Pathum Nissanka with Kusal Mendis on the finish. Right here we go!

The 2 units of gamers have lined up and the respective nationwide anthems have been performed within the stadiums. Pakistan then go into the group huddle whereas the Sri Lankans return inside. 

As said earlier than, Babar hasn’t fairly fired for Pakistan on this match however his opening accomplice Mohammad Rizwan has been completely imperious. He has scored 226 runs up to now and may overtake Virat Kohli to finish up  because the match’s highest run scorer. 

The ambiance is completely electrical with quite a lot of Pakistan and Sri Lanka followers within the crowd. That is it!

“Would’ve bowled as effectively. However completely satisfied to bat as it is a remaining. Openers have stood up. Madushanka and Mahesh have been good. Good signal for World Cup. Report has been good on this match. We’re enjoying the identical group.”

“Our confidence degree is excessive. As a group you wish to attain the ultimate and win it. As a group, now we have performed very effectively. Each match we have had a brand new Man of the Match, everybody has stepped up. No accidents. Shadab and Naseem again, for Usman and Hasan.”

Ravi Shastri was on the market with the microphone for the toss, making his voice increase across the Dubai Worldwide Stadium. There are few higher issues than his voice to arrange the scene for an enormous remaining however then got here a tiny gaffe. He informed Babar that Pakistan had final gained the title in 2014. Quite the opposite, it was Sri Lanka who final gained the title in 2014 whereas Pakistan’s final win got here earlier than that in 2012. 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka

Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain

Babar Azam wins the toss, Pakistan to bowl first. No accidents for them, Shadab and Naseem return. All excellent news right here for Pakistan followers. 

Wasim Akram and Sanjay Manjrekar did the pitch report on Star Sports activities. “This pitch has by no means been used earlier than. Appears actually good pitch. For batting and for bowling. With the brand new ball, it would swing one or two overs tops. However this pitch is without doubt one of the finest on this Asia Cup. These pitches have been the perfect on the planet.” 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, Charith Asalanka, Asitha Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Mohammad Rizwan(w), Babar Azam(c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haider Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been attributable to meet within the remaining match of the Tremendous 4. That this might be a gown rehearsal for the ultimate, could also be one thing not everybody thought would occur contemplating simply how good Afghanistan have been wanting and the fixed looming presence of India. However India fell by the wayside and Afghanistan fell to what will need to have been a coronary heart breaking loss to Pakistan to finish their marketing campaign. Within the remaining Tremendous 4 match it was Sri Lanka who gained fairly comfortably by 5 wickets with three overs in hand. It must be famous that Pakistan rested fairly just a few of their regulars for the sport whereas Sri Lanka hardly made any adjustments. 

Sri Lanka’s 5 titles leaves them behind solely India, who’ve gained seven, within the all-time record for many wins by a group. They’re additionally the one group to have defended the title other than India. All of this provides a reminder of simply how constantly sturdy they have been earlier than 2015. They’ve gained the title in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008 and 2014. 

Pakistan have gained this match twice. Their first win got here in 2000 after they beat Sri Lanka by 39 runs within the remaining in Dhaka regardless of the latter’s captain Marvan Atapattu scoring a century within the chase. They then wonm the title in 2012, beating Bangladesh in Mirpur by two runs in a thriller of a match. A younger Sarfraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 46 off 52 balls turned out to be a vital knock for them.

In Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan have one of the crucial prolific opening pairs on the planet, though they have not fairly clicked on this match. However they now face a group with a gap pair which have confirmed extremely efficient on this match. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are Sri Lanka’s highest run scorers on this match and their sturdy begins have confirmed very important for them in among the epic chases they’ve pulled off.

Thrice these two groups have met within the remaining of this match. Sri Lanka gained two of those matches – in 1986 and 2014 – whereas Pakistan gained in 2000.

Babar Azam got here into this match on high of the world. He stays high of the rankings however hasn’t fairly discovered his groove right here. The Pakistan captain has scored simply 63 runs in 5 innings. 

Sri Lanka began out by being smashed by Afghanistan after which they go on to beat each group within the match. Their first match noticed them slumping to an eight-wicket defeat to Mohammad Nabi’s males, who chased down a goal of 105 with almost 10 overs to go. Then, they went to beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan and India in some ridiculously shut matches earlier than beating Pakistan within the final Tremendous 4 match. They’ve needed to host this match within the UAE due to the really tragic state of affairs of their nation however they could have achieved their followers proud already. 

Pakistan have misplaced simply two matches on this match. The primary was an in depth defeat to India within the opening match, after which their report 155-run win over Hong Kong ensured that they will not have a difficulty with reaching the Tremendous 4. As soon as there, they solely misplaced their final match, which was in opposition to Sri Lanka however earlier than that, Babar Azam’s males gained two absolute thrillers in opposition to India and Afghanistan. Whereas the win in opposition to India and the character of the chase will all the time be particular for them, the match in opposition to Afghanistan was charged with emotion. Younger Naseem Shah may simply have etched his title in Pakistan cricket folklore along with his again to again sixes within the final over that took them to victory. 

It is time for the title determined! On the navy blue and yellow nook are the previously mighty Sri Lanka, aiming for his or her sixth title and getting one step nearer to reaching India’s report seven. Nobody gave them an opportunity this 12 months, contemplating their latest struggles to remain aggressive in worldwide cricket and their hammering by Afghanistan of their first match. On the inexperienced nook are Pakistan, seeking to cap their just lately found stability with a title, their first Asia Cup title in slightly below a decade.