Asia Cup 2014: Champions Sri Lanka get a grand welcome

The Sri Lankan cricket team, who returned home on Sunday after winning the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, were given a rousing welcome (Reuters)

From the airport, the team were taken in an open top bus to the Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters and a large crowd gathered along the way to greet the champions (AP)

This was Sri Lanka’s first major international trophy since their triangular home series involving India and New Zealand in 2010 (AP)

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said the side were delighted to annexe the Asia Cup (AP)

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the final by five wickets. Lasith Malinga bagged the man of the match award for his brilliant spell of bowling with both new and old ball (Reuters)

Malinga took five wickets and pushed Pakistan on to the back-foot early in the match. He was accurate, and used the conditions to full effect (AP)

Sri Lankan cricket captain Angelo Mathews, right, smiles holding cup as he sits in an open bus with team mate Lasith Malinga, left, upon their return from Bangladesh after winning the Asia Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, March 9, 2014. Sri Lanka Saturday won the Asia Cup tournament defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)