Ashish Ranjan
India (IND) will face Sri Lanka (SL) in the Asia Cup 2023 Final at the R Premdasa Stadium in Colombo. India played three matches in the Super Four stage, winning two of them to end on top of the table. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a similar record but finished second due to a lower net run rate.
In the previous match between India and Bangladesh, India won the toss and elected to bowl. The match being a dead rubber, both these teams decided to experiment and test their muscular strength.
Shakib, Hridoy, and Nasum contributed to Bangladesh’s impressive total of 265 runs. India did not get off to a good start, losing their opener and captain in the very first over. The wickets of Shubhman and Axar were the difference between the two teams, as Bangladesh won the match by only six runs.
In Sri Lanka’s most recent match against Pakistan, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Pakistan lost an early wicket, but their second-wicket partnership was outstanding. With a total of 252 runs on the board, half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan propelled Pakistan to a stronger position than they were in previously.
Sri Lanka was outstanding from the beginning, and a victory appeared to be a foregone conclusion, but the complications were saved for the conclusion. They kept losing wickets towards the end of the game, but were able to maintain their composure and win by just two wickets.
IND VS SL ASIA CUP FINAL: PITCH REPORT
The nature of the pitch at R Premdasa Stadium is quite favorable to batsmen. Due to the track’s turn and rebound, spinners can perform particularly well on this surface. Batsmen can capitalize on the batting-friendly nature of the pitch to score significantly. With an average first inning score of 214 runs, teams winning the draw may elect to bat first.
IND VS SL ASIA CUP FINAL: FANTASY PICKS
Rohit Sharma: Rohit has been in outstanding form during this tournament, scoring three consecutive fifty-plus scores. He has been commanding his side from the front and should lead yours as well.
Virat Kohli: This is a significant encounter, which necessitates the participation and leadership of major players. Virat Kohli may be one of your team’s players who can make an impact in the tournament’s finals.
Dunith Wellalage: Wellalage has swiftly risen to second place among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. He has amassed an impressive 78 runs with the bat.
Kusal Mendis: Mendis has been in phenomenal form, scoring three fifty-plus scores in his last five matches. In addition to scoring 253 runs, he has exhibited exceptional wicketkeeping abilities.
Shubman Gill: Gill has consistently scored runs and has scored the most runs in the tournament thus far. In five matches, he has scored 275 runs at an average of 68.75.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah is another big-match player you would want to retain for your team’s most important contests. After his injury, he has made a successful recovery on the international stage.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep’s bowling performances in four matches have been phenomenal, as he has taken nine wickets. He can be a budget-friendly choice for the team.
IND VS SL ASIA CUP FINAL: PROBABLE PLAYING XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madhushan/Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
