Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka VS Pakistan Super 4 - Wanindu Hasaranga stars in the 5-wicket win
The pre-finale between the finalist teams was a teaser of what could be expected at the finals of Asia Cup 2022. Toss has become the new boss in UAE. In the last super-4 fixture, Sri Lanka won the toss and the game by five wickets against Pakistan
Wanindu Hasaranga: Player of the MatchThe super-4 has seen Sri Lanka's renaissance from a struggling team to a power pack side. In this Asia cup, they have lost just 1-toss and 1-match. Rest they have won all the games winning the toss and chasing.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan experimented in their pre-final clash, which Sri Lanka won. But the actual game on the 11th will see the strongest squad from both teams.
Batting first, Pakistan saw yet another batting collapse similar to what happened against Afghanistan. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan tried to give a start, but once Mohammad Rizwan departed, the whole middle order followed. Their problem with middle order collapse is now screaming in their face.
"We played well in both games, but the batting has not been up to the mark.", said Pakistan Captain Babar Azam.
Wanindu Hasaranga could feel himself returning to rhythm after taking three wickets. After taking Babar Azam on a score of 30 in the 11th, he took back to back two wickets in the 15th, which reduced Pakistan to 91/6.
"I'm really happy because last few games I've given up some runs, but today I've made a comeback strongly with wickets.", said Wanindu Hasaranga on winning Player of the match.
Defending the total, Pakistan started by dropping Sri Lanka on 2/2. They dismissed Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka in the first two overs.
After Sri Lanka got further reduced to 29/3, Pathum Nissanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa gave the partnership that Sri Lanka needed. Pathum Nissanka remained unbeaten at 55, whereas Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga smoked fire from bat to reach the target in 17 overs.
Pathum Nissanka said, "Although there was extra pace from the Pakistan bowlers, I backed my skill and knew what to do. This win will help us to gain momentum and we are looking forward to doing well in the final as well."
The two teams will lock horns in the Asia Cup 2022 finals on 11th September 2022, with their most potent squad prepared to defy the toss effect. But the question remains, Will they be able to do so?