Asia Cup cricket victory lifts spirits of crisis-hit Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans rejoice the win as a uncommon second of respite amid a dire financial disaster.

Sri Lanka has burst into spontaneous celebrations because it gained the Asia Cup event for the sixth time within the shortest type of cricket in Dubai.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka referred to as Sunday’s Asia Cup triumph a “actual turnaround” for Sri Lankan cricket forward of the T20 World Cup, and devoted the win to the crisis-hit nation.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 23 runs within the ultimate with Bhanuka Rajapaksa hitting an unbeaten 71 and Wanindu Hasaranga starring with bat and ball.

Firecrackers burst, automobiles honked and followers danced at Galle Face promenade within the capital, the place the event was televised reside on an enormous display.

“It is a tremendous shock,” Mohamed Thimal, 24, who watched the sport at Galle Face, advised AFP information company. “We didn’t anticipate a win as a result of now we have not gained a event just lately.”

“Very comfortable, very comfortable,” shouted Jameel Irshad, who was celebrating with associates at Galle Face, which till July was the launch pad for toppling President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over financial mismanagement because the island confronted its worst financial disaster in a long time.

The nation is enduring hyperinflation, and prolonged energy blackouts and is dealing with acute shortages of meals, gasoline and medicines after operating out of overseas change to pay for imports since late final 12 months.

Rajapaksa’s successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was among the many first to congratulate the nationwide group.

“Congratulations to the Sri Lankan cricket group on profitable the Asia Cup 2022. Effectively performed Pakistan! The second championship for right this moment. Goes to indicate that, with dedication and willpower we are able to overcome challenges as a nation. Onwards and upwards Sri Lanka!” he stated on Twitter.

Authorities worker Prathana Weerasinghe famous that Sunday’s cricket win got here hours after Sri Lanka gained the Asia Cup in ladies’s netball at a event in Singapore.

“A really, very proud day! Ladies did earlier right this moment and now boys. Wow, What else? Happiest day in years,” Weerasinghe advised AFP.

Hemalatha Tillakaratne, 72, stated she feared the federal government may institute worth hikes because the nation savoured the uncommon sporting victories.

“Immediately they didn’t impose the ability minimize due to the match, however they are going to begin the blackouts once more from tomorrow. They may additionally use this win to extend costs from tomorrow,” Tillakaratne advised AFP.

One other fan, Krishani Athauda, 42, stated the victory was a lot sweeter due to the $200,000 prize cash at a time when Sri Lanka is scrounging for overseas change to pay for necessities.”We’re comfortable that we gained the (cricket) Asia Cup regardless of the financial disaster,” Athauda stated.

“At a time when persons are struggling, this can be a reduction.”

A stream of messages from the cricket world in different international locations poured on social media to congratulate the Sri Lankan group on its victory: