The Indian cricket team which is the defending champions is almost out of the Asia Cup 2022 after it lost yesterday’s match against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets. The match was played at Dubai International Stadium and after winning the toss, the Sri Lankans decided to bowl first.
The opener KL Rahul got out early on the personal score of 6 runs but skipper Rohit Sharma played a beautiful innings of 72 runs (41 balls, 5 fours & 4 sixes) and helped his team in putting up a good total of 173/8 on the score board. Suryakumar Yadav played a useful knock of 34 runs (29 balls, 1 four & 1 six) but other than him, no Indian batsman was able to play a big innings.
There is no denying the fact that India seems to be stronger than Sri Lanka on paper but yesterday the latter proved itself better by performing well and winning the match. The Sri Lankan openers – Pathum Nissanka (52 runs, 37 balls, 4 fours & 2 sixes) and Kusal Mendis (57 runs, 37 balls, 4 fours & 3 sixes) set the foundation of their team’s victory by putting up a partnership of 97 runs for the first wicket. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (25 runs not out, 17 balls, 2 sixes) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (33 runs not out, 18 balls, 4 fours & 1 six) ensured that they took their team home as the winner and strengthen their candidature in the finals.
Dasun Shanaka was adjudged as the Player of the Match as he not only played a fiery knock of 33 runs not out but also took 2 wickets. This was certainly a big victory for Sri Lanka as India is considered a stronger team and this stunning victory left many former Indian cricketers and experts surprised and shocked.
While some former cricketers talked about the concerns that India need to address, few were not happy with the selection decisions and several others whole-heartedly praised the Sri Lankan team for their efforts.
Here are some selected reactions:
Well done Team Sri Lanka you deserve all the applause #INDvsSL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 6, 2022
India has a lot of concerns to address and they will be very disappointed with this result. Many areas to improve on before the World Cup. A special effort by Sri Lanka though. #IndvsSL
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 6, 2022
If you know that bowling is your weak link, you don’t point fingers at it…you must put the onus on the stronger suit i.e. India’s batting. Failure to score 15-20 above par is where the fault lies. Indian batting isn’t lasting full 20 overs…therefore, no final flourish.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 6, 2022
Terrific discipline by Sri Lankan bowlers who bowled according to the field dimensions. But still 174 is a huge target to get in these conditions. India will have to bowl really good if they want to restrict this confident Lankan team. #IndvsSL pic.twitter.com/WXaSP8BSjP
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) September 6, 2022
Shining star for me is #arshdeepsingh . The way he has been precise with his yorkers is heartening to see. Bright kid with a bright future #AsiaCupT20 #INDvSL
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) September 6, 2022
#INDvSL #AsiaCupT20 pic.twitter.com/nj6s906U8W
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 6, 2022
Two ways to look at it:
A: No need to panic. We were missing 3 key players + toss is a big factor in Dubai.
B: We often win bilaterals despite key players resting, so why not multi-team events?
Thoughts? #AsiaCupT20
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 7, 2022
India have been short of fire in the end-overs. No fangs. It is a concern
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 6, 2022
India will certainly hope that Afghanistan defeats Pakistan in today’s match which has very less probability but cricket is a game of uncertainties so let’s just keep our fingers crossed.