DUBAI: Sri Lanka won the preview for the final by 5 wickets against Pakistan in the last match of the Super 4 round. Sri Lanka remains unbeaten in the Super 4 round which is amazing given that Sri Lanka lost the first match of Asia Cup against Afghanistan.
Skipper Shanaka on his b day was lucky with the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Sri Lankan spinners spun a web around the Pakistan batsmen to restrict them to 121 all out in 19.1 overs. Wanindu Hasaranga came to his best form with 3 for 21 runs and Theekshana also picked up 2 for 21 runs. Pramod Madushan picked up his debut wicket of Pakistan star opener Rizwan for 14 runs. Madushan ended up with 2 wickets for 21 runs (2.1 overs). Skipper Pakistan Babar Azam who has been out of form in this Asia Cup 2022, hit his highest score of 30 runs in this tournament today.
Sri Lankan team was made to struggle from the start with fiery bowling from Pakistan. Lanka was 2 wickets for 2 runs with in form Kusal Mendis and D Gunathilaka both back in the pavilion. Hasnain and Haris Rauf kept the bowling tight. Nissanka and Bhanuka put together a steady partnership (51 runs) to bring stability to the chase. Sri Lanka reached 68 runs for 3 wickets at the end of 10 overs needing another 54 runs from 60 balls to win. Pathum Nissanka showed resilience and scored a valuable half century ( 55 runs off 48 balls). Contributions from skipper Shanaka (21 runs) and Bhanuka with 24 runs ensured Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (124/5 in 17 overs).
Lanka will be hoping to win a 6th Asia cup title when they play against Pakistan (two-time Asia Cup winners) in the Asia Cup 2022 final scheduled on Sunday. (RZ) Image credit : ESPN cricinfo
