India wins the Asia Cup 2023 beating Sri Lanka in the finals. This was a record 8th time when the team in Blue Lifted the Asia Cup. India Team will take this win as a huge confidence booster for the upcoming ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

Presented by: Raghunath Nair

Date: 18/09/20203

After winning the toss, the Sri Lanka team opted to bat. Chasing in Sri Lanka has been difficult in all games and the Sri Lankan fans felt that the winning of the toss had slightly tilted the match in their favor.

What seemed to be a great move to bat first, turned out to be a nightmare for the Lankans as the team was bundled out for only 50 runs.

Mohammed Siraj was the man of the moment in a pace-friendly Colombo wicket when he orchestrated the embarrassing Lankan defeat in the all-important Finals

India Wins Asia Cup 2023

In one of the most one-sided contests in the history of ODI cricket, India won the Asia Cup 2023 with all ten wickets in only 37 balls and 263 balls to spare.

Opting to bat first the Lankans were in a shock when Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj tore into the Sri Lankan batting lineup with some mesmerizing bowling display.

While Jasprit Bumrah, gave India the initial breakthrough, the day belonged to Indian Pacer Mohammed Siraj with his 6-wicket haul, completely destroying the top and middle order just minutes into the game

Mohammed Siraj maintained an extremely potent Line and Length which enabled him to take the maximum advantage from the seam-friendly Colombo conditions.

Captain Rohit Sharma continued to bowl Siraj from one end almost for the entire match.

Mohammed Siraj took 6 for 21 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50, the lowest ODI team total against India. The result of the finals became a foregone conclusion.

5 Srilankan batsmen did not even open their accounts which also could be a new ODI record

Hardik Pandya also picked up 3 wickets which included the last two wickets in 2 consecutive balls

Key Highlights of the Match

• 8th Asia Cup title to India
• Mohammed Siraj picked up 6 wickets for 21. Mohammed Siraj took four wickets in six balls to leave the Sri Lankan innings in tatters
• Sri Lanka all out for 50 runs.
• Sri Lanka’s lowest ODI Total against India.
• the lowest ever recorded by any team against India in one-day internationals.
• 6 for 21 is also the fourth-best ODI figure by an Indian bowler after Stuart Binny (6 for 4), Anil Kumble (6 for 12), and Jasprit Bumrah (6 for 19)

The defending champions were in good form in the Asia Cup, beating Pakistan in a virtual semi-final and narrowly missing out against India in the Super 4 stage.

Rain Effected Tournament

With Rain playing havoc in the entire tournament, the finals were predicted to be interrupted by rain. A no result even after a reserve day was predicted by many. This would have meant that the Asia Cup would have to be shared and Sri Lanka would have successfully defended their title.

Next India Mission- ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

India is ticking the right boxes at the right time before the World Cup and unlike in the last 2019 edition, this Indian Team has got most things right for their team combinations.

The win in Asia Cup, considered to be the second biggest multi-nation tournament after the World Cup will place India in the top 4 serious contenders for the World Cup.

Injury to Axar Patel

The unfortunate injury to Axar Patel saw Washington Sundar drafted into the playing eleven of the Asia Cup Finals. An offspinner in the Indian line-up was the missing piece in the India 15. Only time will tell if he could make it to the final World Cup squad.

Axar Patel’s Bowling was below par and Washington could be a possible replacement choice.

India peaking at the right time

The Bowling form and Batting form of Indian players weeks before the mega event will keep Team India in good spirits. All bases covered for Team India

Australia Series

India has rested key players for the Australian series. This is a defensive mindset of the coaching staff and India will not put up their best eleven against Australia. Then why play the series?

Australia will look to have a good series with India after their embarrassing series loss to the Proteas.