Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka revealed how CSK motivated them to win the Asia Cup
Sri Lanka created history when they lifted the Asia Cup Trophy for the sixth time in the history of the tournament. They beat Pakistan by 23 runs in the final of the tournament on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
The spirited Sri Lankan team ended up winning the game even after losing the toss. And with this win, Sri Lanka has given a moment to celebrate to all those people at home who are currently struggling with the economic crisis. However, it would have been more memorable if Sri Lanka had won it at their home ground.
But a win is a win, and it was a memorable win. They started horribly and lost their first five wickets for just 58 runs in 8.5 overs. But after that, two fifty-plus partnerships helped them to reach a competitive score of 170/6 in 20 overs.
Bhanuka Rajapasksa scored an unbeaten half century and made 71* off 45 balls, with six fours and three maximums, while Wanindu Hasaranga supported him well and scored 36 off 21 balls, with five fours and one six. Chasing the target, Pakistan started slowly and, in the end, got all out for 147 runs.
After winning the match, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka revealed what his thought process was after losing the toss and how the four-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, helped them to win the game. Shanaka pointed out that CSK won the IPL 2021 final here in Dubai, even after losing the toss.
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He said, "In IPL 2021, Chennai won the match batting first and that is what was on my mind. These youngsters know the conditions really well."
In the final of the IPL 2021, after CSK made 192/3 in their 20 overs, Faf du Plessis made 86 off 59 balls for them. In reply, KKR made 165/9 in their innings and lost the game by 27 runs. Sharduk Thakur took three wickets.
Furthermore, Shanaka added that the 170-run mark always adds an extra pressure while chasing and that was what they were thinking. He concluded that an Asia Cup win would be an ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.