In a thrilling encounter, India secured a spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final with a 41-run win over Sri Lanka. Kuldeep Yadav played a pivotal role, taking four wickets, including the final two, as India defended a total of 213 runs and bowled out Sri Lanka for 172. The match took place at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, in front of a sizeable home crowd.
This victory marked India’s second consecutive win in the Super Four stage of the 50-over tournament, which serves as a precursor to the upcoming one-day international (ODI) World Cup. Additionally, India brought an end to Sri Lanka’s impressive winning streak of 13 matches in ODIs.
Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, claiming his maiden ODI five-wicket haul and remaining unbeaten on 42 runs. However, he ran out of partners as Kuldeep wrapped up the opposition tail in 41.3 overs.
The match against Sri Lanka followed India’s dominant performance against Pakistan, where they emerged victorious by 228 runs. Despite facing three consecutive days on the field, India displayed their strength and determination.
The final spot will be decided in the next Super Four match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, scheduled for Thursday.
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, played a crucial role, scoring 53 runs to provide his team with a brisk start. However, Wellalage counterattacked, taking five wickets for 40 runs, including the key dismissals of Sharma and Virat Kohli. Wellalage received support from part-time spinner Charith Asalanka, who claimed four wickets for 18 runs.
Wellalage made an impact right from the beginning, taking a wicket with his first ball of the match and continuing to trouble the Indian batsmen. He dismissed Kohli, who had scored an unbeaten 122 against Pakistan, for just three runs. Wellalage went on to dismiss Rohit, completing a hat-trick of wickets in three overs.
Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul attempted to rebuild the Indian innings with a partnership of 63 runs. However, Wellalage ended their stand by getting Rahul out for 39 runs and claiming his fifth wicket. Asalanka also contributed by consistently taking wickets from the other end.
Despite India’s batting struggle, Axar Patel managed to take the total past 200 after a rain interruption, scoring 26 runs. India’s bowlers then picked up regular wickets, with Jasprit Bumrah taking two dismissals. Asalanka tried to increase the run-rate but was Kuldeep’s second wicket.
Dhananjaya de Silva fought back alongside Wellalage, forming a threatening seventh-wicket partnership of 63 runs. However, Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand by dismissing De Silva for 41.