Sri Lanka started their campaign in the Asia Cup 2022 with a defeat, but no one knew that Sri Lanka, who were bundled out for 105 runs in the very first match of the tournament, would travel to the final of the tournament and sixth. The bar will also be successful in winning the title. But Sri Lanka has done so and defeated Pakistan in the final to become the champion of Asia for the sixth time.
Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the very first match of the Asia Cup 2022. After this Sri Lanka did not look back and went on to win four consecutive matches till the final. During this, the team defeated Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. At the same time, it was not the contribution of any particular player in making Sri Lanka the champion, but the entire team worked together during the tournament and managed to win the title. Let us tell you about the star players of Sri Lanka, due to whose performance the team managed to win the title for the sixth time.
5 or more wickets by five bowlers in a tournament
The Sri Lankan team managed to reach the finals because the team performed well in all three departments. Talking about the bowling, five bowlers of the team have taken five or more in the tournament.Hasranga took 9 wickets in 6 matches and also became the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. In the final match, he took three wickets in his last over to ensure Sri Lanka's victory. Apart from Hasranga, Mahesh Teekshana also contributed very well. During the powerplay, he was able to put the batsmen under pressure. He took 6 wickets in 6 matches. Apart from this, fast bowlers Madhushanka (6), Madhushan (6), and Karunaratne (7) took wickets.
More than 100 runs from four batsmen In the
Asia Cup 2022, Sri Lanka's batting was very strong. Apart from the strong performance of the opening pair, the middle-order batsmen also contributed very well. Sri Lanka's Bhanuka Rajapaksa became the highest run-scorer in the tournament for the team with 191 runs in 6 matches. In the final match against Pakistan, he scored an unbeaten 71, which is the best innings of his career. Apart from Rajapaksa, opener Pathum Nisanka scored 173 runs in 6 matches. He scored two half-centuries in the tournament. Opener Kusal Mendis also had a great tournament this tournament. He scored 155 runs in 6 matches and scored two half-centuries. Captain Dasun Shanaka also performed brilliantly with the bat in several matches. He scored 111 runs in 6 matches in the tournament.
This victory means a lot not only for Sri Lankan cricket but also historically and politically. After losing five wickets for 58 runs at one stage, Sri Lanka scored 170 for six with the help of Bhanuka Rajapaksa's unbeaten 71 off 45 balls. Rajapaksa scored an unbeaten 71 in 45 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes and Wanindu Hasaranga scored 36 runs in 21 balls. The duo shared a scintillating partnership of 58 runs while Sri Lanka's score at one point was 58 for five.After this, Rajapaksa with Chamika Karunaratne added 54 runs and took Sri Lanka past 160.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa was adjudged Player of the Match for his scintillating half-century in the final, while Hasaranga was adjudged the Player of the Series for 9 wickets in 6 matches and 66 runs with the bat.
