Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 runs; win 6th Asia Cup title

Sri Lanka, a country picking up pieces after the death of democracy while facing enormous financial turbulence, found 11 worthy heroes on a cricket pitch as Dasun Shanaka's unheralded bunch crushed Pakistan by 23 runs to win their sixth Asia Cup title on Sunday. It was one for posterity as Sri Lanka first raised themselves from the dungeons to reach 170 for 6 from a hopeless 58 for 5 because of Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 45-ball-71, easily one of the best knocks under pressure in T20s in recent times. If that wasn't enough, Pakistan, who were cruising along at 93 for 2, were finally bowled out Pakistan for 147 as pacer Pramod Madushan (4/34 in 4 overs) and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (3/27 in 4 overs) ensured that the few thousands of Sri Lankan fans out cheered the 20,000 odd Pakistan fans.

Sri Lankan players celebrate with the winners trophy after their win in the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka, left, receives the winners trophy after their win in the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka holds the winners trophy after their win in the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka, second right, receives the winners award from President Board of Control for Cricket in India Sourav Gangly, left, during the presentation ceremony after Sri Lanka won the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam, right, receives the runners up award from Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja, second left, during the presentation ceremony after Sri Lanka won the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,.

Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, second right, receives the player of the series award during the presentation ceremony after Sri Lanka won the T20 cricket Asia Cup final match against Pakistan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.