Originally written as host, it was appropriate that Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup Even though the championship is held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). debilitating economic crisis in the island nation This meant that Sri Lanka had to move the base of the continental tournament to the United Arab Emirates, but even in the sands of the desert, Dasun Shanaka’s men felt at home. And during the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Sri Lanka overcame the odds to beat Pakistan by 23 runs. In a tournament where chasing teams often prevail, Sri Lanka were struggling at 58 for five before rear-guard action from Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga meant the eventual champions posted 170 for six in 20 overs. scored runs. It was not a tough target, but the summit clash put extra pressure and Pakistan failed to overtake the cunning Sri Lankans. An all-round turn with four wickets from seamer Pramod Madushan and three scalps from spinner Hasaranga meant Pakistan were reduced to 147. It might be a disappointment for Babar Azam’s men, but it is no wonder that both the finalists gifted their respective fans. , If Sri Lanka is yet to come back home from its financial issues, Pakistan is grappling with severe floods that have disrupted lives and battered its economy. Certainly, cricket gave some excitement.
If Sri Lanka lost their first game against Afghanistan and still made the distance and won the title, the opposite happened for India. Rohit Sharma’s men dominated the preliminary round; However, in the super-four stage, India succumbed to both Pakistan and Sri Lanka and even though Afghanistan were suppressed, the exit door remained open. After winning the Asia Cup on seven occasions, the latest edition offered a grim note for India. The top-order trio of Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli need to fire together. Even as Kohli ended his century-dry with a century against Afghanistan, his return to form was peppered with angry quotes at a press conference where he spoke about his final days of national captaincy. talked to. Kohli’s runs are essential, but equally, India needs a former captain to forget the past captains. In a year where the Asia Cup, a traditional ODI tournament, acquired the T20 name due to the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia from 16 October to 13 November, it is disappointing that the Indian playing XI is a work in progress. . The squad for the premier event was announced on Monday and it is good that spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is back from his injury while the injured Ravindra Jadeja is out. The upcoming T20Is touring Australia and South Africa should help the management fine-tune their plans.