Colombo - India secured its place in the 10th Asia Cup final by defeating Sri Lanka by a margin of 41 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
The playing surface was notably dry, and while Dunith Wellalage, the versatile allrounder, displayed impeccable form, Charith Asalanka, a part-time off-spinner, also made significant contributions. India's more seasoned spinners also played a pivotal role. However, in a match characterized by low scores, it was India's opening pair, both in batting and bowling, that made the crucial difference.
Relying on the 80-run partnership between captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, as well as a fiery bowling performance from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the early stages, India managed to break Sri Lanka's impressive 13-match unbeaten streak, securing a convincing 41-run victory. This win effectively positioned India with one foot in the Asia Cup final, with two Super Fours stage games still to be played.
Notably, due to the dry pitch conditions, which resembled the surface used for India's extended clash against Pakistan that turned into a two-day affair, both teams opted for line-ups heavily loaded with spin bowlers. Consequently, Shardul Thakur was replaced by Axar Patel in India's squad. Axar's sensible batting toward the end of the innings did contribute to India surpassing the 200-run mark. However, it was Rohit Sharma's aggressive play during the Powerplay that prevented India from struggling to reach a respectable total.
Rohit Sharma's effortless elegance was evident throughout his innings, whether it was a crisp drive off Kasun Rajitha in the opening over or a straight six over the head of the fast bowler that propelled him to become the second-fastest batsman to reach 10,000 ODI runs.
In the 12th over, Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka, Rohit's counterpart, decided to bring Dunith Wellalage into the attack. The left-arm spinner made an immediate impact by taking wickets in each of his first three overs, reviving Sri Lanka's chances. He dismissed Shubman Gill (who was deceived by flight), Virat Kohli (caught at midwicket as the ball gripped the pitch), and Rohit Sharma (as the ball skidded and stayed low), thus reigniting Sri Lanka's hopes.
Following these setbacks, India found it challenging to build a substantial total. Wellalage's contributions included two more wickets, earning him the distinction of becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs. Charith Asalanka then made quick work of India's lower-order batsmen, resulting in India being bowled out for 213.
The bowling brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj was on full display as they took three wickets during the Powerplay, rendering them virtually unplayable. Bumrah accounted for two of those wickets. Subsequently, Kuldeep Yadav struck twice in quick succession, including the dismissal of the fluent Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Ravindra Jadeja's skillful bowling tempted an edge off Shanaka's bat, which was safely caught by Rohit Sharma in the slips. At 99 for six, it seemed as though the game was all but over. However, Dhananjaya de Silva found a reliable partner in Dunith Wellalage, offering a glimmer of hope to the enthusiastic crowd.
Nevertheless, the 63-run partnership was eventually broken, thanks to Shubman Gill's agile catch at mid-on, dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva. Kuldeep Yadav then proceeded to dismantle the remaining tailenders, securing a comfortable victory for India.
Here is the latest Super 4 points table, with India holding the top position:
India is set to face Bangladesh in the upcoming match in Colombo, which is slated for Friday, 15th September, 2023.