Sri Lanka wanted to showcase their aggression, reveals Rajapaksa

Bhanuka Rajapaksa played 

"About challenges, you name it"- Bhanuka Rajapaksa was typically candid during an interview earlier this year, where he recalled the hardships he has faced in his life.

So, it did not come as a surprise when Rajapaksa said in the post-match presentation that he wanted to show his aggression to the entire world after leading Sri Lanka to their 6th Asia Cup title with an awe-inspiring 45-ball 71* in the final against Pakistan on Sunday night.

Adversity matures a person beyond their years. It all makes them fearless. In a way, getting pushed to a corner becomes their place of comfort, and with nothing left to lose, they come out swinging without a care in the world.

On Sunday, Sri Lanka and Rajapaksa were well and truly pushed to a corner, after the Haris Rauf-Naseem Shah-led Pakistan attack wiped off half their side for 58 runs in less than 9 overs.

And, how did they respond? Through a calculated, aggressive counter-punch. And, with proper cricketing shots.

Here's what Bhanuka Rajapaksa said

"It was not easy out there. Pakistan were bowling well. When Wanindu came in, we got a plan. We are an aggressive side and we wanted to show the aggression to the whole world"

''When Iftikhar was bowling, Wanindu said that he would attack him. But thankfully both of us went hard. I had to change my game because Pakistanis were on top. We wanted to spend some time in the crease and that helped in getting 170,"

Clutch Bhanuka Rajapaksa steps up for Sri Lanka

Rajapaksa revealed that he told head coach Chris Silverwood during the drinks break that 140 would be a par score on that wicket.

But, as it turned out, Sri Lanka breached that comfortably thanks to the 30-year-southpaw's final overs flourish.

Rajapaksa rode his luck as he was dropped by Shadab Khan at the long-on boundary in the 18th over, but then, one can also argue that he deserved that good luck given the way he had played thus far.

He soon crossed his 50 (in 35 deliveries) before launching some audacious strokes off Hasnain and Naseem Shah, none better than the flat-lofted six over extra cover off the final delivery of the innings. 

His astounding efforts paved the way for Sri Lanka's magical victory, something they cherish for lifetime. 

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