The Sri Lankan cricket team lifted the Asia Cup Trophy 2022 on Sunday evening by defeating a rather competent team Pakistan by an impressive 23-run. Nobody expected them to win but Sri Lanka which had started on a bad note, turned themselves into a champion team. The way they performed throughout the tournament shows they are all set for the T20 world Cup which is just a month away.  I was amazed to see their commitment on the field. A very young and rather inexperienced team managed to defeat top Asian teams.  

When Sri Lanka had arrived in the UAE for the tournament, no body knew the names of their players including me, except a few who play in Indian Premiere League, but as the tournament progressed everybody knew their name. They have become a favourite team for the upcoming T20 World Cup and I am sure they are going to make it big this time. They have so many stars in their side. The way they have played despite their country is going through tough time shows their determination and mindset. Well done Lankans. The team has managed to win the cup and hearts of cricket lovers. I have become big fan of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka and Dilshan Madushanka. Looking eagerly to see them again in the T20 World Cup. These young players remind me of former Lankan greats like Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara or Mahela Jayawardene.   

Tufail A. Khan
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