- As you are aware, the rights to organize the Asia Cup Cricket 2023 was with Pakistan. Since India refused to travel to Pakistan to play in that country, a hybrid version of the tournament was conceived with Sri Lanka as the venue for Team India to play against its opponents. Mind you, Sri Lanka receives copious rains during these months, and as expected, rains did have a significant say during the tournament. Of course, India and Pakistan were tipped to reach the finals, and the prospects of three mouth-watering contests between the archrivals had every cricket enthusiast biting their fingers in anticipation. Yes, players from different teams did produce some spectacular cricket but what transpired in the interim did not go as per the script.
PC: ACC
- Team India started on a confident note as some of the marquee players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer were making a comeback after struggling for several months owing to injuries. All eyes were on KL Rahul specifically who was expected to not only bat but also keep wickets. Jasprit Bumrah had made a comeback in the T20Is in Ireland proving his fitness in the shortest format. But a 50-over format demands more from a player making a comeback from a serious injury. The same logic applied to KL Rahul. Both of them emerged with flying colors in not only proving their match-ready fitness but also showcasing undiminished skills under trying conditions. However, Shreyas Iyer’s back spasms must be concerning for the team management.
- Unfortunately, Pakistan failed to make it to the finals as Sri Lanka produced an inspirational performance when it mattered most by downing the much-fancied team. Afghanistan failed yet again to upset a major cricketing nation. The biggest disappointment must be the way Bangladesh tamely capitulated without making it to the finals. A sole consolation for Bangladesh must be the win against India in a dead tie. Once Sri Lanka showcased their brilliance without boasting none of the superstar players in their ranks, the expectations of a tight finals only grew to a crescendo building up enough buzz in the melee. Yes, the weather was always expected to play a spoilsport, but a reserve day would have ensured not much playing time lost in the final.
PC: Twitter
- Now, what transpired in the finals was beyond anybody’s imagination. Sri Lanka won the toss and strangely opted to bat under cloud cover. A bloodbath ensued when the Sri Lankan team was blown away by Mohammad Siraj’s magical spell of fast bowling. At one time, Lanka was struggling at 12 for 5, what with Sirja having claimed four wickets in an over. Eventually, Lanka was bowled out for a paltry 50. The target was achieved by the Indian opening duo in less than 7 overs to comprehensively roll over Lanka to claim the title. What promised to be an entertaining final simply turned out to be a damp squib disappointing the cricket enthusiasts. Team India would not complain though. This win will act as a great confidence booster for the ensuing World Cup.
