“I Rank This Innings…”: Sri Lanka Star Charith Asalanka On Pulling Off Final-Ball Thriller Towards Pakistan
Nerves of metal had been required as Sri Lanka took on Pakistan in a rain-impacted Asia Cup Tremendous 4 match on Thursday. The sport remained a see-saw battle between the 2 sides, who continued to fancy their probabilities of successful the match until the final ball of the sport. It was batting allrounder Charith Asalanka who hit the successful runs, scoring 6 runs off the ultimate two balls to take his group into the ultimate in opposition to India. Asalanka described his sensational 47-ball 49 not out because the second-best knock of his profession after taking Sri Lanka to the ultimate of the Asia Cup with a two-wicket win in a last-ball thriller in opposition to Pakistan right here on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Asalanka stored his composure regardless of a mini batting collapse within the again finish as Sri Lanka chased down a goal of 252 within the final supply.
“I simply thought how can I get two to hit a spot and run laborious as a result of it’s a large discipline and simply advised Pathirana to run laborious,” he stated after the match.
“I believed both he’ll bowl a bouncer or a yorker after which he bowled a slower ball, so it was in my facet. I’m very excited.
“Mendis and Sadeera batted rather well. I wished to complete. That’s my position. I can rank this innings second place in my e book,” he added.
Kusal Mendis slammed an 87-ball 91 to arrange the chase. He added 100 off 98 balls with Sadeera Samarawickrama (48).
“Pleased with my efficiency, completely satisfied to get to the ultimate,” stated Mendis, who was adjudged the Participant of the Match.
“These two wickets fell down and we had been nervous, however with Charith within the center we had hope. He is finished this in a single sport in opposition to Afghanistan. I feel we additionally bowled rather well, so completely satisfied to be within the remaining.
“Wanindu, Kumara and Dusmantha are essential bowlers, however we now have these bowlers who’re bowling effectively. It is a younger unit.” Profitable captain Dasun Shanaka praised his group for reaching back-to-back finals.
“We had the sport underneath management, however the dropping of wickets took it until the final over. We gave them an opportunity to come back again within the sport, however we knew Charith may get us dwelling,” he stated.
“We had a dialogue earlier than batting and we mentioned the errors we made within the India sport. We gave away wickets within the first 10 overs, and Kusal and Sadeera performed sensible knocks.
“I feel they’re the very best gamers of spin within the Sri Lanka squad. And Charith, he confirmed nice character. Particular feeling, back-to-back finals.”
With PTI inputs
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