SL vs PAK: "That 70 Runs Would Have Been Of No Use" - Inzamam-ul-Haq Reserves Special Praise For Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Bhanuka Rajapaksa played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the Asia Cup 2022 final. The left-handed batter came into the crease when the team lost three early wickets for 36 runs. He performed well when the team was in trouble and scored unbeaten 71 runs in 45 balls with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes.

After Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup final on Sunday, September 11, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq emphasized the importance of strike rate in the shorter format of the game.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Mohammad Rizwan played complete contrast innings to their respective teams, prompting Inzamam to comment on the batsmen’s strike rates.

The 30-year-old received the Player of the Match award. Rajapaksa has an excellent strike rate under intense pressure. His strike rate was 157.78 in the final against Pakistan.

That 70 Runs Would Have Been Of No Use – Inzamam-ul-Haq

“Hasaranga scored 31 and Rajapaksa scored 71, those were two great knocks. The pace at which the runs and the situation from which the runs were made was a great sight, ”Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.

“Had the 70 runs come at a slower pace, the total would only have been around 140, which Pakistan would have chased down. So, that 70 runs would have been of no use.”

Following Babar Azam’s early dismissal, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan tried to play the role of the anchor during the run chase. No. 1 T20I batter scored 55 runs off 49 deliveries as Pakistan lost momentum in the run chase, falling just short by 23 runs.

“Pakistan Played Well In The Tournament, But Not Very Well” – Inzamam-ul-Haq

Along with archival India, the Men in Green have been picked as one of the favourites to win the 2022 Asia Cup. However, Sri Lanka’s performances extended the team’s decades-long wait to win the trophy.

Inzamam said about letting Pakistan off the hook after thrashing Sri Lanka 58-5 at one stage of the game:

“All of Sri Lanka’s pacers are newcomers, none of them are experienced, but they have come having done their homework. Pakistan played well in the tournament, but not very well.”

“Many of their flaws were on show. They could not capitalize on the pressure, which helped them reduce Sri Lanka for 58-5 at one stage of the game.”

Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup 2022 final against Pakistan by 23 runs in Dubai on Sunday and won the trophy. Dasun Sanaka’s team won the mega tournament for the sixth time.

Babar Azam’s side will next play a seven-match T20I series against England at home, followed by a tri-series involving Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Also read: Asia Cup 2022: ‘Mohammad Rizwan Can’t Finish The Game, He Needs Support From Others’ – Shoaib Akhtar