DUBAI: Sri Lanka sealed a stunning final-over victory over India in the Asia Cup 2022 Super Four to halt India’s chances for final qualification. Set to chase 174, Sri Lanka sealed the victory on the second-last delivery of the final over as their skipper Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa stole the final two runs courtesy of over-throw.

The side were off to a flying start to their run chase as the openers – Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis thrashed Indian bowlers in the opening overs and laid a solid foundation with an astounding 97-run partnership. The pair appeared solid and were looking to drive their team home comfortably before Yuzvendra Chahal’s twin strikes in the 12th over brought India back into the game. Experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who made his return to the Indian side, provided third breakthrough for India as he removed Danushka Gunathilaka for a mere one.

Chahal then struck again for India in the next over and removed the danger man Mendis and strengthened India’s position in the game. Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 57 off 37 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and three sixes, while Nissanka followed back with a quick 52. Following the slump, Shanaka and Rajapaksa held their nerves calm in a tense run chase and completed a thrilling victory over the defending champions as Sri Lanka got to 174/4 in 19.5 overs. Shanaka scored a magnificent 33 off just 18 deliveries, while Rajapaksa remained unbeaten with a brilliant 25. Chahal led the bowling attack for India with three wickets, while Ashwin made one scalp. Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka put India into bat first after the coin flipped in his favour and the bowlers responded well as they provided a solid start to the hosts by claiming two early wickets. Batting first, India had a dismal start as they lost KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in quick successions and as a result, slipped to 13/2 in the third over.

Rahul could only score six, while Kohli bagged a four-ball duck. Rohit then joined hands with Suryakumar Yadav and launched a counterattack on Sri Lankan bowlers as the pair amassed 97 runs for the third wicket in just 57 deliveries. The pair appeared solid and seemed to have brought India back into the game before Chamika Karunaratne removed the danger man Rohit, who top-scored for India with a blistering 72 off 41 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and four sixes.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 07 2022

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