By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 runs to clinch the Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, bringing a smile to the nation that has long been grappling with a staggering financial crisis.
In front of a charged crowd, the islanders completely dominated the fixture despite a shaky start, lifting the crown for the sixth time.
After winning the toss, as expected, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam chose to field.
Speed stars Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah brought early breakthroughs for the green shirts, dismissing the four top Sri Lankan batsmen for only 53 runs on the board.
At one stage it looked as if the islanders would not be able to play the total 20 overs. However, the middle order defied against Pakistan's powerful bowling attack, and managed to post a healthy 170-run total for the loss of 6 wickets on the scoreboard.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa top-scored for Sri Lanka with 71 not out off 45 balls. Pakistan's Haris Rauf took 3 wickets.
Chasing a target of 171 runs, the Pakistani top order fumbled once again with skipper Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman back to the pavilion one after another.
Wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan although hit another 50, his slow batting and an untimely departure left the middle order in a difficult position.
Back-to-back dismissals of long hitters, Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah, left the tail-enders to chase a mounting run rate.
Sri Lankan pacers further tightened the noose around the tail-enders, sending Pakistan to pack up at 147 runs for all out in the 20th over.