Sri Lanka unexpectedly won their sixth championship in Dubai after defeating Pakistan by 23 runs in the Asia Cup final.
After 20 overs, Sri Lanka reached 170-6 thanks to Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s unbeaten 71 off 45 balls.
Pakistan’s response saw Mohammad Rizwan score 55, but Pramod Madushan’s 4-34 put an end to their ambitions.
After losing to Afghanistan in their first game, Sri Lanka, former England coach Chris Silverwood leads, has made a significant turn.
Before Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga joined forces, victory seemed doubtful as Sri Lanka slumped to 58-5.
They contributed 58 runs together for the sixth wicket, with Hasaranga scoring 36 runs in 21 balls to help them reach a difficult target.
READ MORE: England closing on a series-clinching victory over South Africa
With 3-29, fast bowler Haris Rauf led Pakistan’s bowling effort.
Despite Rizwan’s efforts at the top of the order, Sri Lanka’s bowlers often claimed wickets during Pakistan’s attempt to limit their score.
Seamer Madushan promptly eliminated three top-order batters, while leg-spinner Hasaranga finished strong all-around with 3-27.
According to Silverwood, the club possessed skill, so all we needed was a strategy.
“Our efforts paid off, as shown by the outcomes. Although it was a collective effort, our youthful seam assault was excellent.”
With seven triumphs, only India has more Asia Cup championships won than Sri Lanka.
Favorites entering the tournament Due to losses against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four round, India could not advance to the championship game.
