Dasun Shanaka ecstatic ahead of the summit clash against Pakistan 

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the last Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022. (PC- Twitter)

Sri Lanka white-ball skipper Dasun Shanaka expressed his excitement about playing the final match of the Asia Cup 2022 against Pakistan on Sunday (September 11).

The Lankan Lions started off their Asia Cup 2022 campaign on a poor note with a loss to Afghanistan by five wickets in the opening game of the tournament. But they bounced back in their next Group game, defeating Bangladesh by two wickets in a thriller, qualifying for the Super Four phase of the tournament. 

Sri Lanka continued their unbeaten run in the qualification stage of the continental tournament. In the first game of the Super Four phase against Afghanistan, they emerged victorious by four wickets. 

After which they defeated the defending champions India by six wickets in a last-over thriller to seal the final berth. In their final Super Four phase match, they defeated Pakistan by five wickets. They finished the Super Four stage at the top of the table with three wins in three games.

Sri Lanka will be high on confidence after their last win against Pakistan as it was a perfect dress rehearsal ahead of the big ticket clash on Sunday. 

Shanaka 'excited' to take part in the final

Speaking ahead of the final game against Pakistan, Sri Lanka captain Shanaka looked back at their journey in the tournament and said that he is really excited to feature in the finals of the multi-nation tournament. 

"As a team we are very excited to play the final and Pakistan are a very good team. All matches have been nail-biters and we are looking forward to the final. As a tournament, looking back, this has been one of the best Asia Cups we have had and we are looking forward to the final," said Dasun Shanaka in the pre-match media briefing.

Though Sri Lanka has dominated Pakistan in the recent T20I games, none of the two sides can be ruled out so early. An exciting cricketing contest is anticipated here between these two teams in Dubai.

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