Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured a spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final following a spin-dominated performance against Sri Lanka in Colombo. The 41-run win came while defending a total of 213 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium. Spinners on both sides took center stage, claiming a total of 16 wickets. India’s Kuldeep Yadav was particularly effective, taking four wickets.

Spinners From Both Teams Claim 16 Wickets in Total

In a day dominated by spinners, India’s entire batting lineup fell to the excellent bowling of Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage, who took five wickets, and Charith Asalanka, who secured four wickets. On the Indian side, Kuldeep Yadav had an impressive run, contributing to Sri Lanka’s downfall with four crucial wickets.

Sri Lanka’s Resistance Fails, India’s Kuldeep and Jadeja Shine

Sri Lanka had a shaky start, losing three wickets in the initial powerplay and only managing 25/3. Despite a mini-partnership of 43 runs between Sadeera Samarawickrama and Asalanka, India regained control thanks to three quick wickets from Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. Sri Lanka eventually fell to 99/6, making it difficult to chase down India’s 213.

Sri Lanka’s Last Stand and Team India’s Next Match

Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage stitched together a 63-run partnership for the seventh wicket, offering a glimmer of hope. However, India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav, who ended with figures of 4 for 43, dismantled the tail-end. Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah each added two wickets to India’s tally, finally bowling out Sri Lanka for 172.

Team India has already secured its spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final and will next face Bangladesh on September 15. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has a challenging task ahead as they prepare to take on Pakistan in a virtual knockout match. The winner will likely face Team India in the final at the same venue on Sunday.

  Asia Cup 2023, Charith Asalanka, Colombo, Cricket, Dunith Wellalage, India, Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Spinners, Sri Lanka