Sri Lanka were crowned champions of Asia Cup for the 6th time after a 23-run win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Bhanuka Rajapaksa starred for his side with an unbeaten 71-run knock in the summit clash. Astonishingly, Sri Lanka were reduced to 58/5 at one point, after which Rajapaksa rode the storm, and starred for his team.
Dasun Shanaka's men finished with a total of 170/6. In reply, Pakistan folded for just 147 runs, with Wanindu Hasaranga claiming three wickets, but it was the young Pramod Madushan who took everyone by surprise with four wickets.
Sri Lanka, a country picking up pieces after the death of democracy while facing enormous financial turbulence, found 11 worthy heroes on a cricket pitch as Dasun Shanaka's unheralded bunch crushed Pakistan by 23 runs to win their sixth Asia Cup title.
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It was a victory that was just not about cricket but way beyond that with much deeper historical and political importance.
It was one for posterity as Sri Lanka first raised themselves from the dungeons to reach 170 for 6 from a hopeless 58 for 5 because of Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 45-ball-71, easily one of the best knocks under pressure in T20s in recent times.
If that wasn't enough, Pakistan, who were cruising along at 93 for 2, were finally bowled out Pakistan for 147 as pacer Pramod Madushan (4/34 in 4 overs) and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (3/27 in 4 overs) ensured that the few thousands of Sri Lankan fans out cheered the 20,000 odd Pakistan fans.
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The 17th over by Hasaranga that served as Pakistan's death knell with three wickets falling in quick succession.
It was Rajapaksa, who laid the foundation, Madushan, who built the structure and Hasaranga, who gave the finishing touches.
Sri Lanka don't have prima donas like the 'Men in Blue' but a team of good cricketers who have understood how to win crunch matches from the dead.
With inputs from PTI
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