In Asia Cup 2022, it was never expected that team Sri Lanka would become champion this year. There were many strong teams like India and Pakistan, but India could not make it to the finals. Team India was expected as a strong contender in this tournament with their performance in the last tournament. But in cricket, you can never be sure. The Sri Lankans proved that with the right amount of dedication and practise with proper cricket equipment, can help you compete with the top teams of the world and win. And the Sri Lankan team tried their best, finished the super 4 stages, and carried their spirit and form to the finals.
It was a dream come true for their coach Chris Silverwood because they didn’t think they would be considered for the finals after their dreadful performance with Afghanistan. In addition, the group stage of the T20 World Cup, on October 10 in Australia, has not even been guaranteed to the team. Before the event, many cricket experts wrote off Sri Lanka, but the country surprised everyone and its competitors. This guide is about why Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup 2022 championship.
A New Era For Dilshan Madushanka
Due to the injury of Dushmantha Chameera, he was ruled out of competition. Team Sri Lanka was disappointed after his injury. Many people have counted off team Sri Lanka for a few years. The team had a position available due to Chameera’s absence. Here comes the new talent Dilshan Madushanka who came with a very high spirit in place of Dushmantha Chameera.
He is a left-arm pacer and proved himself by taking maximum wickets in the tournament. Madushanka was a significant asset for the Lankan team during the powerplay and death overs. He can move the ball in both directions and dismissed Virat Kohli in both the Super Four and the Final. He earned Wasim Akram’s respect by being compared to Sri Lankan star Chaminda Vaas.
Despite Pressure, The Batsmen Delivered
Sri Lanka’s newly formed opening combination of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis showed their mettle in the crucial Super Four round of the tournament after having trouble in the group stage. For Sri Lanka to score significant runs against Afghanistan and India, both openers gave stability at the top of the order. When the team was in a delicate situation, they effectively aided recovery.
The other two excellent batsmen, captain Dasun Shanaka and another batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, became the star of the Sri Lankan team. Even though their strike rates were similar at around 140, the duo displayed courage and scored some essential runs for their team. In the previous game, their lower order runs were not good, but Rajapaksa rescued Lankans from a critical situation and achieved a difficult score. There is no doubt that Hasaranga and Karunaratne have also contributed to Rajapaksa’s success.
Dasun Shanaka As An Exemplary Leader
To win the 2022 Asia Cup, Sri Lankan lions may have taken some time, but the winning was worth it. Dasun Shanaka deserves huge credit for realising every player’s potential and supporting their respective strengths. Shanaka has proved that he is an outstanding player and has helped his team win a couple of series. All the decisions made by Shanaka for his team may or may not be appreciated by everyone, but the world has seen it in his team’s performance.
In a nutshell, Sri Lanka may have had a terrible start with the other strong competitors, but they have earned the trophy by their efforts. If they continue performing with the same spirit, choose the right cricket equipment and work on the strengths of their players then no one can stop them from reaching the Super 12s stage.
