Pardafas Reporter
Srilanka, a nation that has been craving for any bit of joy, got a big reason to celebrate on Sunday through their cricket team.
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 runs in the Asia Cup final to secure an unexpected sixth title in Dubai.
Sri Lanka scored 170-6 off their 20 overs, set up by Bhanuka Rajapaksa's unbeaten 71 from 45 balls.
Mohammad Rizwan scored 55 in Pakistan's reply but Pramod Madushan took 4-34 to end their hopes.
The win marks a big turnaround for Sri Lanka, coached by former England coach Chris Silverwood after they lost their opening game 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 to steer them to a challenging total.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf led Pakistan's bowling attack with 3-29.
Sri Lanka's bowlers took wickets regularly throughout Pakistan's chase to restrict their scoring, despite Rizwan's efforts at the top of the order.
Seamer Madushan took three top-order wickets quickly, while leg-spinner Hasaranga capped a fine all-round performance with figures of 3-27.
"There was always confident that the team had talent, we just needed a method," said Silverwood.
"We worked hard and the results are showing. Our young seam attack was superb, but it was a team effort."
Only India has won more Asia Cup titles than Sri Lanka, with seven victories.
Pre-tournament favorites India failed to reach the final following defeats by Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super Four stage.
