NEW DELHI: On-field banter is nothing new in cricket, but Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga and Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed showed the real spirit of the game - leaving the mockery behind once the match ended.

It began when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga in the Asia Cup Super 4 clash and mocked the Lankan player by copying his 'Neymar' celebration after castling him. Hasaranga, in turn, gave Abrar a taste of his own medicine after removing Saim Ayub and Pakistan captain Salman Agha, copying the spinner's trademark hands-on-chest celebration.

A viral video on social media captured Hasaranga walking up to Abrar during the post-match handshakes. The two shared a hug, broke into laughter over their on-field antics, and put the incident behind them with a show of sportsmanship.

A five-wicket defeat has virtually ended Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the final, with two consecutive losses in the Super 4 stage. Their elimination will be confirmed if India beat Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Pakistan skipper Salman, under criticism for both his own patchy form and the team's inconsistent run in the Asia Cup, admitted that the side is still in pursuit of a complete all-round performance.

"I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach (Shane McDermott) has been working really hard with us. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that.

"I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan," he said after the game.