COLOMBO: In a low-scoring encounter, India ended Sri Lanka’s impressive 13-match winning streak, securing a 41-run victory in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023. The outcome of this match also enhances Pakistan’s prospects of qualifying for the Asia Cup 2023 final.
India’s victory was anchored by the exceptional performance of Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed four crucial wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, restricting them to a total of 172. With this win, India is now set to face Bangladesh on September 15 in the Super 4 match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
Opting to bat first, India posted a modest 213 runs on the scoreboard, despite a commanding half-century by their skipper, Rohit Sharma. India had gained momentum from their monumental 228-run victory over Pakistan in their previous Asia Cup 2023 fixture.
India Batting Against Sri Lanka
India’s opening pair provided a strong start, amassing an 80-run partnership. Captain Sharma played a pivotal role in this opening stand with an aggressive innings.
However, the tide turned when Dunith Wellalage removed star batsmen Virat Kohli (3) and Rohit Sharma in successive overs, leaving India at 91/3. Rohit Sharma emerged as India’s top-scorer with a well-crafted 53 off 48 balls.
KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan steadied the innings with a 63-run partnership before Wellalage struck again, dismissing Rahul for 33. India’s lower order faced difficulties against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy bowling attack, resulting in the team being bowled out for 186/9 in 42.2 overs.
All-rounder Axar Patel and the last batsman, Mohammed Siraj, managed to add 27 valuable runs for the 10th wicket before Axar Patel was dismissed on the first delivery of the final over. Axar contributed with a crucial 26-run knock.
Dunith Wellalage led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with an impressive five-wicket haul, while Charith Asalanka claimed four wickets for just 18 runs. Maheesh Theekshana took one wicket for Sri Lanka.
