Colombo, Sri Lanka: The stage is set for a thrilling Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2023. India are the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2018, but they have not won a multi-national trophy since then. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are looking to avenge their defeat to India in the Super Four stage of the tournament.
Both teams are evenly matched and have a number of world-class players in their ranks. India will be relying on their experienced batting lineup, led by captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as well as their bowling attack, which is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have a young and talented team, led by captain Dasun Shanaka, and they will be looking to make their mark on the big stage.
The two teams have played each other 166 times in ODIs, with India winning 97 matches and Sri Lanka winning 57. However, Sri Lanka have the better record in Asia Cup finals, having won 2 out of 3 matches.
The weather forecast for Sunday is good, so we can expect a full match. The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is generally good for batting, but it can also be slow and difficult to score on. Both teams will need to be adaptable and play to their strengths if they want to win the match.
The Asia Cup final is always a highly anticipated event, and this year's final is no exception. Both India and Sri Lanka have passionate fan bases, and the atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be electric. It promises to be a close and exciting match, and it will be interesting to see which team comes out on top.
Predicted Playing XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage
Who will win?
India are the favorites to win the match, but Sri Lanka are a dangerous team and should not be underestimated. It will all come down to which team plays better on the day.
Siraj records joint-fastest five-for in ODIs to leave Sri Lanka reeling
In addition to the above, it is important to note that Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj recorded the joint-fastest five-wicket haul in ODI history during the Super Four match against Sri Lanka. Siraj picked up five wickets in just 16 balls, equalling the record set by Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi against Bangladesh in 2021.
Siraj's performance was a major factor in India's victory over Sri Lanka in the Super Four match, and he will be looking to repeat his heroics in the final. If he is able to do so, it will give India a major advantage in the match.
