Team India emerged triumphant in the highly anticipated Asia Cup final, bulldozing past defending champions Sri Lanka with an emphatic 10-wicket victory at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium. This emphatic victory put India’s unyielding spirit and determination on display, setting the stage for a compelling World Cup campaign set to kick off next month.
Opting to field first upon winning the toss, India’s strategic decision swiftly bore fruit as their bowling unit, spearheaded by the exceptional Mohammed Siraj, sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Sri Lanka’s innings crumbled like a house of cards, with the final tally halting at a meager 50 runs, all achieved in a mere 15.2 overs.
The standout performer of the day was undoubtedly Mohammed Siraj, whose fiery spell of pace bowling left the Sri Lankan batsmen in disarray. The pinnacle of his brilliance unfolded during a remarkable second over, where he claimed the scalps of four prominent Sri Lankan batsmen – Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Siraj’s exceptional display was complemented by Hardik Pandya’s three-wicket haul and a crucial contribution from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a vital wicket in the first over. The Sri Lankan batsmen found themselves ensnared by the relentless precision and venomous pace of the Indian bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s total of 50 runs was a woeful reflection of their batting struggles and marked their second-lowest score in one-day internationals, achieved with only 92 balls faced. Their downfall commenced early when Bumrah dismissed Kusal Perera in the opening over, setting the stage for a harrowing collapse.
In pursuit of this modest target, India devised an opening partnership strategy featuring the dynamic duo of Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. Their innings exuded elegance and composure as they navigated India to victory with 6.1 overs to spare. Kishan’s unbeaten 23, and Gill’s unblemished 27 underscored their clinical performance.
This resounding victory in the Asia Cup final not only adds another feather to India’s cricketing cap but also sends a clear message to their World Cup opponents. With their confidence soaring, India is poised for a spectacular showdown as they host Australia in an electrifying three-match ODI series, culminating in a colossal clash on October 8 – the much-anticipated World Cup opener in Chennai.
Leon Osamor
