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Sri Lanka capped their Asia Cup 2022 campaign in style as they humbled favourites Pakistan in the final by stitching together a combined team effort. The Lankan Lions clinched their sixth Asia Cup title after defeating the Men in Green by 23 runs in a captivating final.
Dasun Shanaka's men raised themselves from the dungeons to reach 170 for 6 from a hopeless 58 for 5 because of Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 45-ball-71. If that wasn't enough, Pakistan, who were cruising along at 93 for 2, were finally bowled out Pakistan for 147 as pacer Pramod Madushan (4/34 in 4 overs) and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (3/27 in 4 overs) ensured that the few thousands of Sri Lankan fans out cheered the 20,000 odd Pakistan fans.
It's interesting to note that the reigning Asian Champions are still not a certainty to feature in the upcoming T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Australia.
Amidst this, former India captain and legendary opening batter Virender Sehwag came up with a divergent suggestion, claiming that the teams who lost to Sri Lanka should also lose their qualification status for the T20 World Cup.
"Well played Sri Lanka, deserving champions of #AsiaCup. Imagine, they haven't qualified for the T20 World Cup which is to be held next month. Wouldn't it be interesting if you lose to a team that hasn't qualified you too lose qualification. Tote ud jaate sab teams ke. #SLvsPAK," Sehwag said in a tweet.
Dasun Shanaka's men will have to compete in a series of qualifying fixtures in order to participate in the T20 World Cup's main tournament.
