In a must win match for India in the on-going Asia Cup against Sri Lanka, things went against India right from the word go. India’s captain lost a very crucial toss and Sri Lanka went straight on the front foot. Dubai International Stadium, a venue which is favourable for teams chasing, Sri Lankan team captain wasted no time in opting to bowl first.
Indian got off to a slow start with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul opening the innings. KL got dismissed of the in form Theekshana’s delivery in the very second over of the innings itself and to add onto India’s misery, Virat Kohli couldn’t even open his scorecard, as he got dismissed for a duck in the very next over. The boys from Mumbai, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma steadied the ship for India, with Surya playing a supporting knock of 34 runs along with his captain, who managed to bag a magnificent half century (72 runs of 41 balls). India’s lower middle order had a very ordinary day with the bat and none could contribute much to the total. India managed to bag just 173 runs in 20 overs.
The Lankan lions got of to a flying start in the chase, with both openers getting a score of 50+ runs. Indian spin duo of Ashwin and Chahal managed to get some control of the innings in the middle overs, but Lankan batsman proved to be far superior at the end of the day, as they managed to chase down the total set by India in 19.5 overs and managed to knock India out of the Asia Cup 2022.
Having said that it’s still not over for the Men in Blue. India can still qualify for the Asia Cup final though their destiny is not in their hands anymore.
Qualification Scenario
If Sri Lanka beat Pakistan
If Afghanistan beats Pakistan
If India beats Afghanistan
In this case, Pakistan India and Afghanistan will all be tied on 2 points each and the team with the superior net run- rate will end up qualifying.
