Asia Cup 2023 Final IND vs SL
Asia Cup 2023 Final IND vs SL
The coveted crown of the continent hangs in the balance as two competing teams enter the final with distinct motivations. India, who haven't claimed a multi-team trophy since their Asia Cup victory in 2018, are determined to experience that joy once more. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, currently ranked 8th in ODIs, aim to prove that they are more than just underdogs, despite having made it to the ODI World Cup through qualifiers.
Sri Lanka, the hosts, almost defeated India last week, bowling them out for a mere 213, with all ten wickets taken by spinners, including four by a part-time offspinner. They were favorites at halftime but faltered due to their top-order struggles, unable to recover against India's pace attack.
With a slow, turning pitch expected for Sunday, Sri Lanka's best strategy would be to stick to their successful bowling plan, supplemented with an improved batting performance. They did well in a challenging chase against Pakistan in the virtual semi-final, but that was on a batting-friendly surface. They will dearly miss the injured Maheesh Theekshana, a wicket-taking threat throughout an ODI innings.
India enters the final after a recent defeat, but with key players rested for the Bangladesh game, that result may not carry significant weight. Their top-order batsmen have all contributed with at least one substantial score, and their bowlers seem to be in excellent form. However, their balance will be tested with the all-rounder Axar Patel sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
All the planning and preparation may be in vain if the weather doesn't cooperate. A shortened match or even a washout is possible, as weather forecasts predict rain on both Sunday and Monday (the reserve day).
Form Guide: India: LWWWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first) Sri Lanka: WLWWW
In the Spotlight: Mendis, Thakur, and Washington
Kusal Mendis has been in exceptional form as Sri Lanka's No. 3, amassing 253 runs in five games. He is the second-highest run-scorer of the series, with three fifties resulting in wins over Pakistan (91), Bangladesh (50), and Afghanistan (92). A substantial score against India, preferably a century, would complete his Asia Cup 2023 credentials, as he has twice been dismissed in the nineties.
The question of whether Shardul Thakur or Washington Sundar will fill India's No. 8 spot looms large. With Axar ruled out, India needs to allocate his overs to someone else, ideally another spinner if the pitch favors it. Washington's offbreaks make him a strong contender against Sri Lanka's left-handed batters. However, Washington arrived in Sri Lanka only on Friday, while Shardul has been present throughout, making crucial contributions with the ball. India faces an important decision on match day.
Team News: Tilak in the Final for India?
If India opts for Thakur at No. 8, Tilak Varma could be chosen to provide a third spin-bowling option.
India (probable):
- Rohit Sharma (capt)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Ishan Kishan/Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur/Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
For Sri Lanka, leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha is the frontrunner to replace Theekshana. They could also consider all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, but Hemantha possesses stronger bowling credentials. Kusal Perera is expected to retain his place in the XI.
Sri Lanka (probable):
- Kusal Perera
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dasun Shanaka (capt)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Dushan Hemantha
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Kasun Rajitha
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