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Asia Cup 2022 Final: Underdogs Sri Lanka face favourites Pakistan

Team India's early exit may have disrupted plans of organisers but finalists Pakistan & Lanka have lit up the tournament with their passionate brand of cricketDUBAI: Every time the fixtures for the Asia Cup are drawn, it all about making up for the lack of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket. The scheduling, no doubt, gives precedence to India's convenience. The other teams hustle between Dubai and Sharjah. They get less breathing space going into a final. India are the marquee team, always. The market forces, broadcasters and caretakers of the game bank on India's presence right through the tournament. This time, though, there is no Indian team for the last four days of the tournament. The buzz has fizzled out real fast. It's sort of an anti-climax for the stakeholders.

Asia Cup: How crisis-hit Sri Lanka are rebuilding their brand

Sticking together for each other over the past 18 months, SL team becomes joy factor all over againDUBAI: After Sri Lanka beat India last Tuesday, their press conference was delayed for a bit. The team management was in a huddle of sorts at the door of the press conference room. Bhanuka Rajapksa opened the door and as he was about to enter the room, captain Dasun Shanaka pulled his arm and gave him clear instructions in his ears. Rajapaksa is one of the most eloquent English-speaking cricketers in the Asia Cup. He is definitely the most fluent in the Sri Lankan team. He was tasked with facing the media after Shanaka's Bangladesh-are-much-easier-opponent comments created a flutter on the opening night of the tournament.

Nine of the most ridiculous trophies in cricket - in pictures

Bilateral cricket has been in full swing with some memorable series in 2021. With the international calendar packed for the rest of year, trophy makers, sponsors and cricket boards have been working overtime to ensure the presentation ceremonies have an eye-catching prize.

This is one of the best Asia Cups we have had: Dasun Shanaka

Asia Cup 2022 final against Pakistan, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said that the side is very excited to play in the summit clash and as a team, this is one of his country's best Asia Cup outings. Sri Lanka and Pakistan will lock horns in the final of Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Sunday. "As a team, we are very excited to play the final, and Pakistan is a very good team, all the matches have been nail biters and we are looking forward to the final," said Shanaka to the media ahead of the final.

Great that many players stood up, won matches for country: Babar Azam ahead of Asia Cup final

Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. "When building a team, it is great for us that different players have stood up when it counts and helped the team win matches. As a captain, this is important for me, and it helps pave the path for future success for the team as well," said Azam to the media ahead of the match.

Watch: Babar Azam Tells Umpire "Kaptaan Mai Hu" Over DRS Confusion

The final Asia Cup Super 4 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka may have been a dead rubber since both teams were already in the final, but that didn't mean there was no drama in the match. In what was a dress rehearsal for the summit clash, both teams fought hard and Sri Lanka eventually emerged winners in a low-scoring game. After bowling Pakistan out for 121, Sri Lanka were 103/4 after 15 overs. Then, there was a moment of confusion in the next over as Pakistan went up in appeal after Mohammad Rizwan thought Dasun Shanaka had nicked one behind to him.

Watch: Pakistan Players' Funny Celebration After Almost Messing Up A Catch In Asia Cup Match vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup final. After rolling over Pakistan for a total sub-par total of 121, Sri Lanka chased down the target with three overs to spare. During the 17th over of the chase, Pakistan players Hasan Ali and Iftikhar Ahmed almost had a collision while attempting a catch. In the second delivery of the seventeenth over, Mohammad Hasnain dished out an off-cutter to Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka who hit it straight to long-on.

"Khao Piyo Aish Karo Mitro": Virat Kohli Shares Adorable Throwback Picture

India star batter Virat Kohli shared a throwback photo of himself on Saturday. Kohli ended his century drought in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan earlier this week. He smashed 122 runs off just 61 balls, registering his 71st international ton, and first in the shortest format of the game. His previous three-figure score came almost three years ago against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens. Taking to Instagram, Kohli shared a throwback photo, in which he can be seen enjoying a wholesome meal.

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Sri Lanka Sport News

Asia Cup 2022 Final: Underdogs Sri Lanka face favourites Pakistan

Asia Cup: How crisis-hit Sri Lanka are rebuilding their brand

Nine of the most ridiculous trophies in cricket - in pictures

This is one of the best Asia Cups we have had: Dasun Shanaka

Great that many players stood up, won matches for country: Babar Azam ahead of Asia Cup final

Watch: Babar Azam Tells Umpire "Kaptaan Mai Hu" Over DRS Confusion

Watch: Pakistan Players' Funny Celebration After Almost Messing Up A Catch In Asia Cup Match vs Sri Lanka

"Khao Piyo Aish Karo Mitro": Virat Kohli Shares Adorable Throwback Picture