Asia Cup 2023: I rank this innings second in my book, says Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka

Batting allrounder Charith Asalanka described his sensational 47-ball 49 not out as the second best knock of his career after taking Sri Lanka to the final of the Asia Cup with a two-wicket win in a last-ball thriller against Pakistan on September 14.

Batting allrounder Charith Asalanka described his sensational 47-ball 49 not out as the second best knock of his career after taking Sri Lanka to the final of the Asia Cup with a two-wicket win in a last-ball thriller against Pakistan here on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Asalanka kept his composure despite a mini batting collapse in the back end as Sri Lanka chased down a target of 252 in the last delivery.

"I just thought how can I get two to hit a gap and run hard because it is a big field and just told Pathirana to run hard," he said after the match.

"I thought either he will bowl a bouncer or a yorker and then he bowled a slower ball, so it was in my side. I am very excited.

"Mendis and Sadeera batted really well. I wanted to finish. That is my role. I can rank this innings second place in my book," he added.

Kusal Mendis slammed a 87-ball 91 to set up the chase. He added 100 off 98 balls with Sadeera Samarawickrama (48).

"Happy with my performance, happy to get to the final," said Mendis, who was adjudged the Player of the Match.