India and Sri Lanka locked horns in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. India won the toss and elected to bat first. They got off to a good start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on a 70-run partnership. However, Dunith Wellalage struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Gill and Virat Kohli. Rohit was then dismissed by Charith Asalanka, and India was in trouble at 126/4.
Dunith Wellalage’s Five-Wicket Haul
Wellalage continued to impress, picking up three more wickets to finish with figures of 5-40. He became the first Sri Lankan bowler to take a five-wicket haul against India in an ODI since Muttiah Muralitharan in 2007. His performance was a major factor in India’s collapse, as they were bowled out for 213.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Four-Wicket Haul
Yadav was also impressive with the ball, taking 4-26 in his 10 overs. He was particularly effective in the middle overs when he dismissed Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Yadav’s bowling was a reminder of his potential. He is a very talented bowler, and he has the ability to take wickets in all conditions.
India’s Win
India’s win was built on a solid batting performance from Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. The opening pair put on 80 runs for the first wicket, before Kishan was dismissed for 39.
Rohit Sharma went on to score 53, but he was eventually dismissed by Wellalage. However, India still had enough runs on the board, and they comfortably defended their total.
Kuldeep Yadav and Co. Help India to Narrow Win
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start, losing three wickets for just 29 runs. However, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva put on a 57-run partnership to steady the innings. Kuldeep Yadav then took two wickets in quick succession to break the partnership, and India were in control.
Kuldeep finished with figures of 4-44, and he was ably supported by Yuzvendra Chahal (2-26) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-29). Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 172, giving India a narrow win by 41 runs.
Key Takeaways
- Dunith Wellalage is a promising young bowler who has a bright future ahead of him. His five-wicket haul against India was a major statement of intent.
- Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are still India’s best spin bowling options in ODIs. They combined to take 6 wickets in the match, and they were a major factor in India’s win.
- India’s batting needs to be more consistent. They have a lot of talented batsmen, but they need to find a way to score runs consistently.
- India’s spinners were the difference in the match, taking 10 of the 11 Sri Lankan wickets.
- Sri Lanka’s batting struggled against the spin, and they were never really in the chase.
- The win is a big boost for India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
The match was a thrilling contest, and it was ultimately decided by the bowlers. Wellalage’s five-wicket haul was a special achievement, but Yadav’s four-wicket haul was just as important.
India’s win means that they have qualified for the Asia Cup final, where they will face Pakistan on Friday. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
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