From 80 without loss in 11 overs, India were all out for 213. Yet, they are through to the final of this Asia Cup.
Even after not being able to last the full quota of overs during their innings, India’s bowlers came to the team’s rescue as they scripted a 41-run win over Sri Lanka in Tuesday’s Asia Cup Super 4s clash at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The back-to-back wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka on consecutive days strengthened India’s net run rate, earning them a final berth.
Young left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage (5/40) took his maiden fifer in ODIs while Charith Asalanka (4/18), a part-time off-spinner, cleaned up the lower order as India were all out for 213, losing all their 10 wickets to spinners for the very first time in 50-over cricket.
Axar Patel (coming in for seamer all-rounder Shardul Thakur), the last Indian wicket to fall, was caught at the deep off Maheesh Theekshana’s bowling as the innings ended in 49.1 overs following a brief rain interruption.
Conditions did look a tad easier for batting in the second half as the ball didn’t quite grip onto the surface as much as it did in the first session. But Kuldeep Yadav (4/43), fresh from his five-for against Pakistan on Monday, spun a web once again after Jasprit Bumrah (2/30) struck early.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma celebrates after reaching his half century in Colombo. PTI
Sri Lanka had the edge during the seventh-wicket partnership of 63 between Dhananjaya de Silva (41) and Wellalage (42 not out), who shone with the bat too. But just as the pair looked to be taking the Sri Lankans to a position of safety, Dhananjaya threw his wicket away off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling to invite India back into the game.
Though Wellalage held one end up, there was no resistance on offer from the other side as Kuldeep, in his final over, struck twice to bundle Sri Lanka out for 172 in 41.3 overs.
Earlier, skipper Rohit Sharma (53) and Shubman Gill gave India a rousing start after they opted to bat first. But Wellalage completely changed the complexion of the game, dismissing Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit in no time.
Some credit though needs to be given to KL Rahul (39), moving a slot down to No.5, and Ishan Kishan (33), batting at No.4. Their steady 63-run stand for the fourth wicket turned out to be significant.
