DUBAI: Sri Lanka, a nation that has been craving for any bit of joy, got a big reason to celebrate on Sunday through their cricket team. Just when the country was searching for heroes, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s masterful unbeaten 71 off 45 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round show (36 off 21 & 3/27) demonstrated how one could turn adversity into opportunity as Sri Lanka walked away with the Asia Cup title by convincingly beating Pakistan by 23 runs.
The tournament was moved out of Sri Lanka to UAE because of the prevailing political and financial crisis. On Sunday, they at least managed to restore their cricketing identity as a powerhouse from the Indian subcontinent. Known as the Lions, they were roaring again when Chamika Karunaratne knocked over Haris Rauf’s stumps off the last ball of the match.
