| Asian countries Cup final, Dubai |
| Sri Lanka 170-6 (20 overs): Rajapaksa 71* (45); Rauf 3-29 |
| Pakistan 147 (20 overs): Rizwan fifty five (49); Madushan 4-34 |
| Sri Lanka won by 23 runs |
| Scorecard |
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 operates in the Asia Glass final to secure an unexpected sixth title within Dubai.
Sri Lanka scored 170-6 off their twenty overs, set up by Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s unbeaten 71 from forty five balls.
Mohammad Rizwan obtained 55 in Pakistan’s reply but Pramod Madushan took 4-34 to end their hopes.
The win marks a big transformation for Sri Lanka, coached by former Britain coach Chris Silverwood, after they lost their own opening game in order to Afghanistan.
Victory looked unlikely when Sri Lanka slipped to 58-5, before Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga came together.
They added 58 for the sixth wicket as Hasaranga scored 36 from 21 balls in order to steer them to the challenging total.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 3-29.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers took wickets regularly throughout Pakistan’s run after to restrict their scoring, despite Rizwan’s efforts at the top of the purchase.
Seamer Madushan took 3 top-order wickets rapidly, while leg-spinner Hasaranga capped a fine more complex performance with figures of 3-27.
“There was often confidence that the team had talent, we all just needed a technique, ” said Silverwood.
“We proved helpful hard and the answers are showing. Our younger seam attack had been superb, but it was a team effort. ”
Only India have won more Asia Mug titles than Sri Lanka, with seven victories.
Pre-tournament likes India failed to achieve the final following beats by Sri Lanka plus Pakistan in the Super Four stage.