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 balls and Wanindu Hasaranga's brilliant 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 economic crisis.
On Sunday, they 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.
Rajapaksa came out to bat at 36/3 in the sixth over against a Pakistan pace attack that was breathing fire after Babar Azam won the toss and expectedly elected to bowl first. And when the left-hander deposited a Naseem Shah thunderbolt over the extra-cover fence off the last ball of the innings, he ensured Sri Lankan bowlers had a competitive total of 170/6 to defend.
281 Run-aggregate at 56.20 in six innings recorded by Mohammad Rizwan to set a record for most runs in a T20 Asia Cup competition, bettering Virat Kohli’s tally of 276 at an average of 92.00 in five innings in 2022.
4/34 Pramod Madushan has produced his best bowling performance in Twenty20 Internationals. He has become the first Sri Lankan bowler to produce a four-wicket haul in T20 Asia Cup final.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’
Fury's Ground Xiro
Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.
