Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Image Credits: Twitter)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Image Credits: Twitter)

Bhanuka Rajapaksa claimed that they “wanted to prove a point” and “bring smiles to the faces” of Sri Lankans battling through “trouble” at home. Rajapaksa scored an unbeaten 17 to lead Sri Lanka to a dramatic last-over victory against India. 

With this dramatic victory over India with one ball remaining, Sri Lanka all but guaranteed their spot in the Asia Cup final. India came close once more but was unable to break the Dubai jinx on teams batting first.  

All We Wanted Was To Prove A Point To The World: Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka (Image Credits: Twitter)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka (Image Credits: Twitter)

“After the statements, we have made [by beating India], we are not underdogs anymore. We have proved that … We were the underdogs from the time we came to the UAE.

We all know how good Pakistan and India are good on their day. All we wanted was to prove a point to the world. Especially to our nation. With all the crisis, this is the only thing we could do to bring a smile to their faces.” 

Bhanuka Rajapaksa also discussed the significance of the toss in Dubai matches. “UAE has a record of chasing and winning in the night games. 95% of teams are chasing wins. I won’t say it got easier but the start gave us momentum. We kept on with the run rate that’s why it became easier. 

We Want To Win The Title: Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. PC- Getty
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. PC- Getty

Sri Lanka is sure that they can win the Asia Cup, according to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. “We want to win the title. We are pretty confident, we are backing our team .. if a couple of players come to form, we have a good chance of clinching the title.” 

He also said how the players were eager to make up for the “embarrassment” of getting shot out for 105 against Bangladesh.

“It was embarrassing. We are not a team to be all out for 105. We wanted to prove a point and I think we have done. We have made a statement to ourselves and to the world. 

“This is a young team, playing together for the last two years has improved our confidence. The belief in the team is different from what it was 2 years back.”  

Kusal Mendis. PC- Getty
Kusal Mendis. PC- Getty

The supporters of Sri Lanka Cricket have been lamenting the end of the country’s golden age for some time, but this squad has shown a glimpse of their tenacity and sense of teamwork. 

According to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the group wishes to relive the finest moments from the past. 

“A couple of decades back we had a brand and we want to rebuild that brand now,” Rajapaksa said. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: ‘Too Much Cr**: Rohit Sharma’s Brutal Response To A Query After India’s Defeat To Sri Lanka