New Delhi: After Sri Lanka won the pre-finals encounter against Pakistan, the finals of the Asia Cup 2022 have become more interesting. It is a good thing for both sides that few of their players got some rest as they missed out on the previous game. Though it is a great chance for Pakistan to win the cup this time, one cannot rule out Sri Lanka, looking at the form they are in.
Both the teams have been through some tough and thrilling times and have tasted the win, now it is the chance to play their best XI and give it all.
Sri Lanka’s batting and spin duo can be destructive
Sri Lanka has very well chased big as well as small totals in this Asia Cup. The batting looks strong with Pathum Nissanka, who scored a fifty against Pakistan, and Kusal Mendis at the top. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka are big assets in the middle order with the power-hitting abilities of Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunarathne. However, Charith Asalanka might have to sit out the finals due to his poor form and Danushka Gunathilaka has also not produced any fine inning. If any one of them plays, Pakistan will surely exploit the weak link in the batting lineup.
While Dilshan Madushanka did not pick up a wicket in the last game, he has been in good form lately. Against India, we saw what he can do when there is a bit of swing offered by the conditions. On the other hand, the spin duo picked five wickets against Pakistan, and Hasraga and Maheesh Theekshana look in good touch. The key will be to handle the pressure when Pakistan’s batter will go after the bowlers. It would be interesting to see how captain Shanaka uses himself in the attack.
Pakistan has Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan back
Mohammad Rizwan is in another level of form and will pose the biggest challenge to Sri Lankan bowling. Though Babar Azam looked good here and there in the last game, he and Fakhar Zaman are unable to produce an impactful inning. The middle order looks really strong with power-hitters like Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Naseem Shah will return to the bowling department after rest and will be the key for Pakistan to win. Harris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain bowled well against Sri Lanka and picked two wickets each. Meanwhile, it is the spin department that has impressed with both ball and the bat. Shadab and Nawaz are wicket-taking bowlers with the ability to not leak runs.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka won the last Asia Cup in 2014 while Pakistan won it in 2012. Pakistan will look out to end the campaign well before going to the T20 World Cup, while the hosts will look to turn the image of the team. Whoever wins, the cup will find a new home as India, who won the Asia Cup the last two times, is out of the tournament. A lot of things might depend on the toss as chasing has been preferred in the tournament.
