Asia Cup 2022: Bhanuka Rajapaksa ecstatic about Sri Lanka's thrilling win over Bangladesh

Rajapaksa [PC: Twitter]

After all the off-field verbal banter, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh clashed in a do-or-die match last evening at the Dubai International Stadium in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. The Lankan Lions prevailed over Bangla Tigers in a nail-biting encounter that pushed the Dasun Shanaka-led XI into the Super 4 stage of the competition.

Middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapasksa, speaking after the match, said this win against Bangladesh will not only bring the players closer but more importantly boost the morale of the people back home.

"Of course, we are happy because after winning a game, it's quite thrilling and what we need is winning games. We came here to justify ourselves to the UAE. This tournament was supposed to be held in Sri Lanka, but unfortunately, with the situation back home, we couldn't keep it in Sri Lanka. 

But with all the experience that the players have gained playing together in the last maybe 12 or 15 months, it has brought us much closer as a team,"

What's Next for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka after the win

Sri Lanka became the second side from Group B after Afghanistan to qualify for the Super 4s. In their opening match, the Lankans suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat against the Afghans.

Both sides clash once again on Saturday in Match 1 of the Super 4. Sri Lanka's second match will be against neighbours India on September 6.

They will play their final Super Four match against the second qualifying team from Group A on September 6.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022 | SL vs BAN - A tale of dropped catches and broken dreams