Dasun Shanaka speaks on Asia Cup glory, credits team for making his job easy

Dasun Shanaka speaks to media (PC: Twitter)

The Sri Lankan team was greeted with a victory parade upon arrival back home. The Dasun Shanaka-led side recently sprung one surprise after another to ultimately lift the Asia Cup 2022 title, defeating tournament favorites Pakistan in the final.

Talking to media for the first time since their arrival from the UAE, the Sri Lankan captain credited his entire team for coming up trumps in the competition.

Shanaka credits team for Asia Cup 2022 win

Prior to the tournament, Sri Lanka’s chances of lifting the trophy looked improbable owing to their ordinary run-of-form this year. Those same chances became bleaker after their humiliating defeat to Afghanistan in their opening game, where they were shot out for just 105.

However, Shanaka’s troops soon regrouped from the shock defeat and went on to register five wins on the trot, including the final, to claim the prize for the sixth time in their decorated history.

While speaking with the reporters, the Sri Lankan captain said that his job as a leader was made easier by his players. He credited Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and several others for working together and for assisting younger players in the side.

“Whether it's Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne or Bhanuka Rajapaksa, everyone gets down to the same level and works together. When Wanindu goes and gives some advice to a younger player, a lot of the time it's useful. Similarly, we always consult the players before taking decisions. This is why it makes my job easy; I can't take the credit, as a team each person involved deserves the credit.”

Sri Lanka’s next assignment includes the main event in Australia, i.e., the T20I World Cup 2022 next month. The team will launch their campaign in the qualifying round and their preparations for the showpiece event are slated to commence from September 25 onwards in Kandy.

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