Sri Lanka who were struggling prior to the Asia Cup 2022, came out as the victors of the continental trophy in what has been a pleasant surprise to all cricket fans. The county has been going through an economic crisis lately, and the Asia Cup win has come as a glimmer of hope in trying times for the whole country.
Naturally, all cricket fans, not just the Sri Lankans, have been enjoying their underdog story. Gautam Gambhir who was on commentary duties at the Asia Cup 2022 has also been massively impressed with Sri Lanka’s win against all odds. Moreso since the analyst panel that included Gambhir had given a 0% chance to Sri Lanka ahead of the Asia Cup opener, their win has come as a humbling to all.
Now, in a video that is getting increasingly viral, the former India batter could be seen holding the Sri Lanka flag after the Dasun Sanaka-led side defeated Pakistan in the final and clinched the cup.
Here’s the video of Gautam Gambhir holding Sri Lanka following their Asia Cup win:
Superstar team…Truly deserving!! #CongratsSriLanka pic.twitter.com/mVshOmhzhe
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 11, 2022
Against all odds, the team that no one predicted to reach even the finals has come out and won the whole thing. Gambhir, like all cricket fans, were humbled by the great game and had to eat their words following Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory in the continental cup.
An all-round performance in the final
As for the game, it was a poor start from the Sri Lanka team as they lost their in-form openers Pathum Nissanka (8) and Kusal Mendis (0) cheaply and were left in limbo. Danushka Gunathilaka’s dismissal at a team score of 36 compounded their misery even more and fear started to creep in among all Sri Lanka fans. This was when Bhanuka Rajapaksa walked in and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. The wicketkeeper batter played a sensational inning of 71 on 45 to take Sri Lanka to a defendable total (170).
It was then time for Sri Lanka bowlers who combined to outsmart Pakistan batters and bowled them all out for just 147 runs. Their victory is being celebrated like a festival in Sri Lanka and has brought a lot of respite for the country in struggling times.
