‘I just thought how can I get two to hit in the gap’ – Charith Asalanka on Sri Lanka’s victory against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023

Sri Lanka and Pakistan met on 14 September for the final match of the super fours, the game was a decider and whoever would have one will face India in the final match of Asia Cup, 2023 on 17 September. Sri Lanka sealed a thrilling victory on the last ball as they won the match by two wickets. 

Sri Lanka’s middle order batsman Charith Asalanka scored the winning runs for the team as he missed a well-deserved half century by a single, while Kusal Mendis was awarded as the Player of the Match for his striking 91 runs off 87 deliveries.   

Charith Asalanka on hitting the winning runs in match against Pakistan 

“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”, said Charith Asalanka in the post match ceremony after beating Pakistan and qualifying for the finals. 

“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”, said Kusal Mendis as he was awarded as the player of the match against Pakistan.