Asia Cup 2022: From 'Underdogs' To Asian Champions - The Story Of Sri Lanka's Emergence

"I think in T20 cricket anything can happen, we can bounce back in next game," a gutted Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka had said after his team's disappointing loss to Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup opener. Many experts had written the side off after the loss. To be honest, they were not among favorites to win the tournament either. Irrespective of the talks around, the group believed in its ability -- so much, that it eventually went on to win the 2022 Asia Cup - its 6th title - by beating teams like India and Pakistan, who were considered as favourites, on their way to glory.

C H A M P I O N S !Men's Asia Cup Champions for theth time!#RoaringForGlory #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/t3RmkBan4t

A forgettable start

At the beginning, it seemed that the Asia Cup 2022 was not meant for Sri Lanka. The tournament, which would have taken place on their home soil, was shifted to UAE due to the unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation.

To add salt to injury, the Lankans lost their opening game to Afghanistan by 8 wickets. Their batters failed miserably and were bundled out for 105. To make it more tormenting for Sri Lanka, Afghanistan reached home in only 10.1 overs. Disappointment was at its peak for the then five-time Asia Cup champions, but their belief turned the tables for them.

Not the result we wanted, but we will look to bounce back in the matches ahead. #AsiaCup2022 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/B6rKR7ozuc

The comeback and rise to glory

Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh in a tense chase to enter the Super 4 of Asia Cup 2022. A thrilling victory that seemed like once in a blue moon for the Lankans soon became their style of play in the tournament.

Sri Lanka avenged their loss to Afghanistan with a four-wicket win in the Super 4