In a highly-anticipated showdown set for this Sunday, Rohit Sharma’s formidable Indian cricket team is poised to face off against the underdog Sri Lankan squad in the Asia Cup final, a pivotal precursor to the upcoming ODI World Cup slated for next month.
Collectively, these cricketing powerhouses boast an impressive tally of 13 Asian titles. Sri Lanka, renowned for their uncanny ability to clinch a finals berth, has often thwarted the fervent hopes of fans yearning for a tantalizing India-Pakistan confrontation.
The unblemished streak of India in the 50-over tournament was recently halted by Bangladesh, who triumphed over them by a mere six runs in a nail-biting clash during the Super Four stage last Friday. Although Shubman Gill’s brilliant century, a remarkable 121 runs, was the standout performance, it ultimately proved insufficient as India fell short in their pursuit of 266 in Colombo – the very venue for Sunday’s decisive final.
Gill, however, remains undeterred, asserting, “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.” He believes that securing India’s eighth Asia Cup title would inject much-needed “confidence” as they brace for the World Cup commencing on October 5th.
India’s campaign began with a washed-out match against Pakistan in Pallekele, where the formidable Pakistani fast bowlers rattled their top order, limiting them to 266 in the only innings possible due to inclement weather. Nevertheless, stalwarts Virat Kohli and the returning KL Rahul responded emphatically, notching centuries in their next encounter against Babar Azam’s side, amassing a formidable 356-2 and crushing Pakistan by a commanding margin of 228 runs.
Although India effectively secured their final berth by thwarting a spirited Sri Lankan chase, Gill remains acutely aware of their opponents’ potential threat, remarking, “We will have to pull up our socks and be at our 100 percent to beat them.”
Sri Lanka, victors of the previous edition of the Asia Cup in the T20 format, entered this tournament as underdogs but defied the odds by progressing to the Super Fours with a dramatic win over Afghanistan. On their home turf, they found their rhythm and, despite succumbing to India, emerged victorious against Pakistan in a knockout encounter, earning their ticket to the 11th Asia Cup final.
Captain Dasun Shanaka reflected on their journey, saying, “We came without our key players, but still we managed to make the finals.” Injuries sidelined pivotal players such as Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, but others rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Notably, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka delivered match-winning performances, propelling the team to victory in a rain-shortened match and eliminating a heavily favored Pakistan from the tournament. Emerging talents like fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage have left an indelible mark, leading the tournament’s bowling charts with 11 and 10 wickets, respectively.
Wellalage, in particular, made a resounding impact by dismantling India’s batting lineup, claiming five wickets, including the prized scalps of Kohli and Rohit, during their Super Four encounter.
It is worth noting that on two prior occasions in the annals of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka suffered defeats to India in the Super Four stage, only to stage triumphant comebacks in the finals, achieving this feat in 2004 and 2008.
Source, AFP