Colombo: Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the hero, claiming a remarkable four wickets to quell Sri Lanka’s spirited comeback attempt during their Super 4 clash in the Asia Cup on Tuesday. India ultimately clinched a commanding victory, prevailing over Sri Lanka by a margin of 41 runs. This triumphant performance not only secured India’s berth in the Asia Cup final but also set the stage for the upcoming showdown between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, effectively turning it into a virtual semi-final.
India faced the challenge of batting first and posted a total of 213 runs against Sri Lanka. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, delivering a career-best performance with a notable figure of 5/40. Off-spinner Charith Asalanka and Theekshana shared the remaining four wickets, contributing to a stellar bowling display that kept India’s scoring in check.
In the Indian batting lineup, skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with a composed 48-ball innings that yielded 53 runs. KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan also played pivotal roles, contributing 39 runs and 33 runs, respectively, to the team’s total. Towards the end of the innings, Axar Patel added a valuable 26 runs, consolidating India’s position and ensuring a competitive target for Sri Lanka.
The thrilling encounter showcased the ups and downs of cricket, with stellar performances from both sides, setting the stage for further excitement in the Asia Cup.