'This could be the turnaround in our cricket' - Shanaka on Asia Cup triumph 

Sri Lankan team celebrates after Asia Cup triumph (PC: Twitter)

In a fitting end to the 2022 Asia Cup, the hosts, Sri Lanka, clobbered Pakistan in the final. As the former won the affair by 23 runs, they laid their hands on the trophy, also marking their sixth title-winning campaign in the tournament's history.

While at one stage the Lions seemed down and out, stuttering at 58/5, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga carried on a rescue act as the side finished at 170/6 in 20 overs. 

The toss factor too was thrown into the bin. Pakistan, despite gaining a huge advantage of chasing, could not respond well under pressure. Babar Azam and Co. crumbled to dust as they folded at 147, losing the all-important clash by 23 runs.

'Believe in our cricketers' - Shanaka's heartfelt request to his countrymen 

Sri Lanka, who not too long ago were short on T20I wins this year, suddenly find themselves rising up the ranks. As Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka's skipper, put it, their latest coup could be the turning point for their cricket.

"Even two to three years back, the team used to play good cricket, but the winning factor wasn’t there. This could be the turnaround in our cricket; this lot can continue to play for five to six years, which is a very good sign as well," Shanaka said as quoted in the post-match press conference after the final.

Amid an economic crisis that continues to plunge Sri Lanka into a hole, the victory against Pakistan has brought a positive change in the mood of the nation. Shanaka had this to say when he addressed the Sri Lankans:

"Believe in our cricketers. A lot of bad things are going around. As cricketers, they should enjoy their lives as well, not spreading bad things. They have private lives too. Keep believing; that is the key. As a captain, I give confidence to the players, (whenever) I can."

Notably, Sri Lanka have still not qualified for the 2022 T20I World Cup. They will be seen playing against Namibia, the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands in the qualifying round of the competition.