A new era of Sri Lankan cricket dawned on September 11 (Sunday) after Dasun Shanaka's men downed favourites Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 final. On the back of a stunning batting display from Bhanuka Rajapaksa, impeccable all-round brilliance of Wanindu Hasaranga and clinical fielding, the Lankan Lions registered a thrilling 23-run win against the Men in Green in a crunch final.
After the game, the entire nation erupted with joy as their national cricket team became Asian champions for the sixth time. The cricketers, who lifted the mood of an entire country, themselves indulged in buoyant celebrations.
The Sri Lankan players danced, sang and reveled in the dressing room to enjoy the moment.
Watch the video here:
In another video posted by captain Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan players received a guard of honour when they left the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to board the team bus.
Watch the video here:
An elated captain, Shanaka, praised his teammates for responding so well throughout the tournament despite losing to Afghanistan in their tournament opener.
"After that first loss, we had a serious discussion." Shanaka said.
"We knew we had the talent, but it was about applying those in game scenarios and all the players stood up. It's the environment we created as a team and coaching staff that has paid off," he added.
The Sri Lankan skipper also had a message for the fans back home following the title win.
"Believe in our cricketers. A lot of bad things are going around. As cricketers, they too should enjoy their lives as well, not spreading bad things. They have private lives too. Keep believing, that is the key. As a captain, I give confidence to the players, (whatever) I can. I can't ask more than that," Shanaka said.
Shanaka further said that the Asia Cup win could be a stepping stone for greater things to come for Sri Lanka cricket, which is going through a transition phase for a long time.
"Even two-three years back, the team used to play good cricket, but the winning factor wasn't there," he said.
"This could be the turnaround in our cricket, this lot can continue to play for five-six years, which is a very good sign as well.
"The World Cup qualifiers will also help because it will allow us to play in that conditions before the main tournament happens. It will be really good (opportunity for us)," he added.
With a morale-boosting Asia Cup silverware now in their kitty, Shanaka said the same unit can achieve greater success in future.
"It's not like that. When it comes to India-Pakistan, we know it's a different game. Our cricketing history is also good, so we didn't have anything to prove about us being a good team," he said.
"The only thing is we weren't probably ranked high enough, but with this team, we can do better and become that high-ranking team," Shanaka signed off with a smile.
