Back in 1996 Sri Lanka won a World Cup when they were least expected to. They were won of the latest to get Test status and the line-up was talented, but did not boast excellence. Playing with a different brand of cricket, Sri Lanka bought in a lot of variety and proved that they could punch above their weight back then. Since that moment, Sri Lanka are continuing to prove that they can be stronger than they look. While Sri Lanka is a small island nation, their cricketing achievements go a long way. From 2007 to 2014, Sri Lanka were consistent entrants into the Finals of multi-national events.

Now, after a transition period that lasted a good seven years, Sri Lanka are finally back on the rise. The rise though is coming at the country’s worst possible time, economically. Over the past few months, while the country’s financial and political situation has been deteriorating, the national team continued to make people smile. Starting from a win in a T20 against Australia, Sri Lanka are doing the unthinkable. They chased down 59 in three overs to start this rise.

Later, the T20 win transformed into and ODI series victory as Sri Lanka out played Australia at home. From there on Sri Lanka continued to impress. A test win with Australia and later a Test win with Pakistan continued to impress fans. On both occasions, Sri Lanka were not expected to win. In Dasun Shanaka, the side found a hero with the bat in T20s. In Theekshana and Hasaranga, Sri Lanka have two bowlers who can run-through teams who are not the greatest against spin like Australia.

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While running through Australia with spin is predictable, the fact that they did it against Pakistan was all the more impressive. With a good set of results, Sri Lanka came into this Asia Cup with some confidence behind them. Despite the confidence behind, them, the Asia Cup was predicted to be a chance to see three India vs Pakistan encounters. After the first game, the feeling of Sri Lanka struggling came in more. Steamrolled against Afghanistan, hopes were very light.

Sri Lanka though proved to be very competitive while chasing. Despite being put into pressure situations, the team did well against both Bangladesh and later Afghanistan. Their major challenge came up against India. With a slow pitch and a rampaging Rohit Sharma, Sri Lanka fought hard, and hung in throughout the game. Dasun Shanaka again proved to be a savior. Wickets in the first innings and a finish in the second innings pushed Sri Lanka into the Finals.

Now, after surprising Australia, and then Pakistan and finally India, Sri Lanka are in the Finals of the Asia Cup. They won in 2014 when the likes of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene were still around. Now they are in with a very young squad. Dinesh Chandimal is the only one still in the squad, and he is yet to play a game this season. Sri Lanka now have two games against Pakistan. Irrespective of the result, Sri Lanka has come a long way in the last few months. Now with two more games to go, they have a chance to push their success forward.