COLOMBO: In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Lanka’s hopes were shattered as they collapsed to a mere 50 all-out in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India, turning the highly-anticipated clash into a one-sided affair. Mohammed Siraj’s spectacular display of bowling prowess saw him claim six wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya contributed one wicket each to seal India’s dominance in the match.
The Sri Lankan side appeared poised for a resounding defeat as their innings concluded at just 50 runs, spanning a mere 15.2 overs, in the Asia Cup final against India. This dismal performance could be primarily attributed to the exceptional bowling exhibited by Mohammed Siraj, who orchestrated the downfall of six Lankan batsmen.
The early breakthrough was provided by Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed Kusal Perera with just the third ball of the match, caught behind by the wicketkeeper. However, it was Mohammed Siraj who proved to be the tormentor-in-chief, making the fourth over of the innings particularly destructive. In a stunning display, Siraj sent back Nissanka, Samarawickrama, Asalanka, and de Silva, leaving the Sri Lankan batting lineup in tatters in the fourth over.
India’s bowlers skillfully capitalized on the overcast conditions, inducing movement in both directions. Bumrah’s early breakthrough set the tone, dismissing Kusal Perera for a duck.
Earlier, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bat first, only to witness his team’s batting lineup crumble against the relentless Indian bowling attack. The match start was earlier delayed due to a wet outfield.
Sri Lanka made one change to their lineup, with all-rounder Dushan Hemantha replacing the injured Maheesh Theekshana.
Despite being considered underdogs, Sri Lanka managed to outperform Pakistan in their last Super Four encounter, earning them a coveted spot in the Asia Cup final against India. The island nation had previously secured victory in the last Asia Cup, albeit in the T20 format.
In the Indian camp, Washington Sundar took the place of the injured Axar Patel, who sustained an injury in India’s Super Four match against Bangladesh at the same venue. Sundar, a left-handed batsman and off-spinner, joined the squad on Saturday.
The presence of key players, including Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who returned after a period of rest, added to India’s formidable lineup. Rohit Sharma led the Indian team, aiming to expand their collection of Asia Cup titles to eight, encompassing both ODI and T20 formats.
In case of rain delays, Monday has been designated as a reserve day for the final.
Sri Lanka Squad
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana
India Squad
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Umpires: Ahmed Shah Pakteen (AFG), Richard Illingworth (ENG)
TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)
Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
