PAK vs SL: Charith Asalanka Speaks On Sri Lanka's 2-Wicket Victory Vs Pakistan In Asia Cup 2023, Says 'I Rank This Innings Second In My Book'

Sri Lankan batting allrounder, Charith Asalanka spoke on the island country’s two-wicket victory against Pakistan in the fifth Super Fours match of Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday (September 14th) which helped Dasun Shanaka’s side to book their spot in the final match of the tournament. Asalanka ranked the inning against Pakistan at second in his book.

While speaking in the post-match presentation, Kusal Mendis said he is happy with his performance in the Super Fours match against Pakistan.

Mendis accepted that the Sri Lankan squad was nervous when they lost quick wickets and later praised Charith Asalanka for holding the middle order of the second inning.

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“Happy with my performance, happy to get to the final. Those two wickets fell down and we were nervous, but with Charith in the middle we had hope. He’s done this in one game against Afghanistan. I think we also bowled really well, so happy to be in the final. Wanindu, Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha are main bowlers, but we have these bowlers who are bowling well. This is a young unit. Thanks a lot to the fans for supporting us, please do so in the final as well,” Kusal Mendis said.

Sri Lanka skipper, Dasun Shanaka said that his side had control of the game from the first however due to quick wickets they lost momentum and took a longer time to win the game.

“We had the game under control, but the loss of wickets took it till the last over. We gave them a chance to come back in the game, but we knew Charith could get us home. We had a discussion before batting and we discussed the mistakes we made in the India game.

“We gave away wickets in the first 10 overs, and Kusal and Sadeera played brilliant knocks. I think they are the best players of spin in the Sri Lanka squad. And Charith, he showed great character. Special feeling, back to back finals. I must thank the crowds who kept supporting us, and looking forward to the finals,” Shanaka said.

I planned to finish the game, that’s the role in my side: Charith Asalanka

Star Sri Lankan batsman, Charith Asalanka explained the situation on the crease during the match and how he asked Matheesha Pathirana to take two runs to keep the run rate moving. Charith Asalanka added that his job in the squad is to finish a game.

“I just thought how can I get two to hit in the gap and run hard because it’s a big field. I told Matheesha to run very hard and we’ll try to get two runs. Two things was in my mind. I thought he’s going to bowl a bouncer, otherwise a yorker. He tried a slower ball and it worked for my side. I am very excited, still excited about that. Kusal and Sadeera played really well, they laid the platform. I planned to finish the game, that’s the role in my side. Definitely yes (best ODI knock), I think I can rank this innings second place in my book,” Charith Asalanka added.

Sri Lanka will lock horns against India on Sunday (September 17th) in the final match of the Asia Cup 2023.