Asia Cup 2022: Final – Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan

After playing some excellent brand of cricket, Team Sri Lanka finds themselves in the final match of the 2022 T20 Asia Cup and they will be facing Pakistan in the all-important encounter slated to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on September 11 (Sunday). 

The Lanka side lost their first group stage match against Afghanistan, but they made a resounding comeback in the next few matches as they thrashed Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, and even Pakistan before entering the final match.

Here's the probable playing XI of Sri Lanka for the final match of Asia Cup 2022:

Openers - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK)

Sri Lanka opening batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have given several good starts to their team in the competition and both batters will be looking to replicate their performances in the final match as well.

Kusal Mendis failed to get going against Pakistan in the last match, but the batter of his caliber cannot be taken lightly. His partner, Nissanka was simply excellent against the Men in Green as he completed a gritty fifty and helped his side to victory.

Middle Order - Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Just like Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka could not open his account against Pakistan as he was scalped by express pacer Haris Rauf. Gunathilaka is a technical sound batter and he is expected to play a big role in the final match against the Men in Green.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa thrashed the Pakistani bowling line-up in the last match as he scored 24 runs off just 19 balls, smashing two big maximums. The left-handed batter is expected to play a crucial role in the final match against the same team as well. 

All rounders - Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne

One of the main strengths of Sri Lanka in the tournament has been their all-rounders. The likes of Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne have performed for their team in crunch situations and both of them will want to give a vital contribution to their team in the final match.

Talking about Wanindu Hasaranga, the ace spinner from Sri Lanka was excellent against Pakistan as he scalped three crucial wickets and was adjudged player of the match.

Another senior player, De Silva bowled well for his side as he took one wicket and gave away just 18 runs in his four-over quota. However, he failed to score runs for his team and will want to give a match-winning effort in the final match. 

Bowlers - Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka

Sri Lanka's bowling department did a commendable job in restricting Pakistan to a score of less than 130 in the last match. Both Maheesh Theekshana and Pramod Madushan were excellent with the ball as the duo scalped a total of four wickets for their side. 

Taking the new ball, Dilshan Madushanka was a little expensive, but the pacer has been doing a decent job in the tournament and will want to scalp wickets earlier on the night of the finals.  

Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI against Pakistan: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka