Asia Cup 2023, IND vs SL Super 4s: India seal final berth after comprehensive 41-run win over Sri Lanka
The match began with Jasprit Bumrah making an immediate impact by claiming two quick wickets, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot from the start.
Kuldeep Yadav once again showcased his brilliance with the ball, leading India to a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. In a low-scoring encounter, India successfully defended their total of 213 by bundling out Sri Lanka for 172 runs.
The match began with Jasprit Bumrah making an immediate impact by claiming two quick wickets, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot from the start. Mohammed Siraj joined the action, securing his first wicket and further destabilizing Sri Lanka at a precarious 25/3. However, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka managed to compile a crucial partnership of 43 runs before Kuldeep Yadav intervened with two wickets in successive overs, disrupting their rhythm.
Adding to the excitement, Ravindra Jadeja removed captain Dasun Shanaka, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 99/6. This remarkable turn of events unfolded after Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Asalanka combined to claim 9 wickets, playing a pivotal role in bowling India out for 213. Even Maheesh Theekshana chipped in with a wicket of his own, marking the first instance in an ODI where Team India lost all 10 wickets to spin bowling.
India won the toss and elected to bat first, taking advantage of the pleasant and sunny weather conditions leading up to the match. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opened the innings for India, with Rohit eventually becoming the second fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs in his trademark style, smashing a six over the bowler’s head with a magnificent shot. He also surpassed Shahid Afridi’s record for the most sixes in the Asia Cup. India lost their first wicket in the 12th over when Wellalage dismissed Shubman Gill with his first ball of the match.
He then dismissed Virat Kohli, denying the former India captain a fifth consecutive century at the R Premadasa Stadium.
Wellalage then struck again, sending back the formidable Rohit, completely changing the course of the game. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan skillfully slowed down the pace of the innings, patiently navigating through the spin overs, ultimately forming a solid 50-run partnership. However, Wellalage returned and claimed his fourth wicket, dismissing Rahul for 39 off 44 deliveries. India’s fortunes quickly unraveled from there, and Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj fought valiantly to keep the last wicket intact when rain abruptly interrupted the match after the 47th over. Despite their crucial 27-run stand, the final wicket fell with just 5 balls remaining in the innings.
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