COLOMBO: Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling showdown as Rohit Sharma’s India takes on the underdog Sri Lankan team in the final of the Asia Cup on Sunday. With both nations eyeing the coveted title, this final serves as a crucial momentum-builder ahead of the upcoming One Day International (ODI) World Cup.
India and Sri Lanka, two cricketing giants, have collectively claimed 13 Asian titles, a testament to their cricket dominance. Sri Lanka is known for their knack of surprising fans by reaching the tournament finals.
In a dramatic twist, Bangladesh disrupted India’s unbeaten run in the 50-over tournament, narrowly defeating them by six runs in the last Super Four match held in Colombo. Shubman Gill’s impressive century (121) went in vain as India fell short in their chase of 266.
However, Gill remains optimistic about India’s momentum, stating, “I don’t think it has broken our momentum. We have played good cricket. Sometimes it happens on these wickets. I was set and should have finished off the game.”
Gill emphasized the significance of clinching India’s eighth Asia Cup title, believing it would instill “confidence” ahead of the World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5 in India.
India’s journey in the Asia Cup had its ups and downs. They began with a rain-affected match against Pakistan, where Pakistan’s fast bowlers rattled India’s top order. However, India bounced back emphatically in their next match, with Virat Kohli and returning batsman KL Rahul scoring centuries to amass 356-2 and defeat Pakistan by a commanding 228 runs. India then secured their spot in the final by thwarting a spirited Sri Lankan chase.
Despite their recent success, Gill recognized the challenge posed by Sri Lanka, stating, “We will have to pull up our socks and be at our 100 percent to beat them.”
Sri Lanka’s Journey in Asia Cup 2023
On the other side, Sri Lanka, the reigning champions from the previous edition of the Asia Cup, entered the tournament as underdogs but managed to reach the Super Fours stage with a dramatic win over Afghanistan. They later defeated Pakistan in a knockout match to secure their spot in the final.
Captain Dasun Shanaka acknowledged the absence of key players due to injuries, including Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga. However, other members of the Sri Lankan team rose to the occasion, with Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka delivering match-winning performances. Emerging fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage have also impressed, leading the tournament’s bowling charts with 11 and 10 wickets, respectively.
Wellalage, in particular, left a significant impact by dismantling India’s batting lineup, claiming five crucial wickets, including the prized scalps of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during their Super Four encounter.
