Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan By 23 Runs To Win Asia Cup

The Sri Lankan cricket team gifted the island nation joy and the sixth Asia Cup title as they defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the final in Dubai on Sunday, their fifth T20I win on the trot.

Batting first, Sri Lanka rode on Bhanuska Rajapaksa's unbeaten 71 off 45 balls to power the team to 170/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan were never in the chase losing early wickets, Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Iftikhar Ahmed gave some hope with a 71-run third wicket stand but once the partnership was broken, Sri Lanka were on top again.

Wanindu Hasaranga put tyhe final nail in the coffin with his three-wicket burst in an over that included the prized scalp of Rizwan. In the end, Pakistan were all out for 147 runs in 20 overs.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extended his warm congratulations to the Sri Lankan cricket team on winning the Asia Cup title for the sixth time.

“Congratulations to the Sri Lankan cricket team on winning the Asia Cup 2022. Well played Pakistan!” he said in a tweet. 

“The second championship for today. Goes to show that, with dedication and determination we can overcome challenges as a nation. Onwards and upwards Sri Lanka!”

Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance to defeat Pakistan by 23 runs in the 2022 Asia Cup final on Sunday as they lifted a sixth continental title in Dubai.

“Our cricket team raised Sri Lanka’s reputation in the international arena by achieving a record-breaking victory in the finals of the Asian Cricket Tournament.

All these achievements were helped by the unity and immense commitment of the leadership and other members of the team.”

The President expressed his heartfelt thanks to all those who dedicated themselves for this great victory, despite the grave challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing, noting that the common commitment made by everyone until victory was assured, is a great example not only for the cricket world but also for the younger generation in other fields.

Earlier today, Sri Lanka Netball team beat Singapore to win the Asian Netball Championship and also qualify for the 2023 World Cup.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had also congratulated the unbeaten Sri Lankan Netball team that won the Asian Netball Championship 2022 by defeating the Singaporean team.