India, Sri Lanka compete for Asia Cup crown tomorrow

COLOMBO: In a highly anticipated clash, Rohit Sharma’s Indian cricket team is set to face off against underdog Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, a match with crucial implications as both teams prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Collectively, these cricketing giants boast an impressive tally of 13 Asian titles. Sri Lanka, known for its penchant for surprising fans by reaching tournament finals, has once again made its way to the championship match, much to the consternation of those hoping for a showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

India’s unbeaten streak in the 50-over tournament came to an end on Friday when Bangladesh narrowly defeated them by six runs in the last Super Four match. Despite Shubman Gill’s remarkable century (121 runs), India faltered in their chase of 266 in Colombo, where Sunday’s final will also be hosted.

Gill, reflecting on the defeat, said, “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.”

Clinching India’s eighth Asia Cup title, Gill believes, would instill “confidence” in the team ahead of the World Cup, which begins at home on October 5.

Bangladesh upset India despite Gill ton

India’s campaign began with a washed-out match against Pakistan in Pallekele, where Pakistan’s fast bowlers disrupted their top order. India, however, bounced back with centuries from Virat Kohli and the returning KL Rahul, amassing an impressive 356-2 to defeat Pakistan by 228 runs.

India secured their place in the final by thwarting a spirited Sri Lankan chase. Nonetheless, Gill cautioned that Sri Lanka remains a formidable opponent: “We will have to pull up our socks and be at our 100 percent to beat them.”

Sri Lanka, winners of the previous edition of the Asia Cup in T20 format, entered this year’s tournament as underdogs. However, they advanced to the Super Fours with a dramatic victory over Afghanistan and continued to excel on home soil. Despite their loss to India, they managed to eliminate Pakistan in a knockout match, securing their 11th Asia Cup final appearance.

Captain Dasun Shanaka remarked, “We came without our key players, but still we managed to make the finals.” Injuries sidelined Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, but other players rose to the occasion.

Notable performances from Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka secure victory in a rain-shortened match, eliminating the favored Pakistan team from the tournament. Up-and-coming fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage have been standouts, leading the tournament’s bowling chart with 11 and 10 wickets, respectively.

Wellalage made a significant impact by claiming five wickets, including the prized scalps of Kohli and Rohit, in their Super Four match against India. Interestingly, Sri Lanka has previously lost to India in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, only to bounce back and defeat them in the finals, achieving this feat in 2004 and 2008.

Web Desk