The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 final between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Stadium turned out to be a lopsided affair, with India securing a resounding 10-wicket win. Despite Sri Lanka’s recent form, they faltered on their home ground.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat in the 50-over match, setting the stage for an intense showdown. However, their performance fell far short of expectations as they were bundled out for just 50 runs in under 20 overs.
Kusal Mendis emerged as the only Sri Lankan batsman to make a substantial impact, scoring 17 runs from 34 balls before falling to Mohammed Siraj. Dushan Hemantha remained unbeaten with 15 runs, but the rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup struggled to make an impression.
In contrast, India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance. Mohammed Siraj was the star of the match, claiming 6 wickets while conceding only 21 runs in his 7 overs. All-rounder Hardik Pandya also made a significant contribution, securing 3 wickets and giving away just 3 runs in 2.3 overs. Jasprit Bumrah added 1 more wicket, conceding 23 runs in his 5 overs.
Chasing a meager target of 51 runs, India’s opening pair of Ishan Kishan and Shubhman Gill guided their team to a comfortable victory without losing a wicket. Shubhman Gill’s unbeaten 27 runs from 19 balls, along with Ishan Kishan’s 23 not out from 18 balls, sealed India’s triumph in just the 7th over.
Sri Lanka’s lackluster performance left their devoted fans in Colombo disheartened, especially considering the significance of the Asia Cup trophy. This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 Cricket One Day World Cup, scheduled to begin in October. Meanwhile, team India showcased their readiness for the World Cup, with an upcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia slated for later this month.
