The narrative for Asia Cup 2023 seemed to have been set in stone. India would meet Pakistan three times including in the final. But just like the previous 15 Asia Cups, it isn’t going to be a Pakistan-India clash in the final. Instead, the Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lankans would go head-to-head against India, in their own den at Premadasa Stadium.
Although India start as favourites to hoist the trophy, Sri Lanka would believe they have the resources to upset the applecart on what could be another spin-friendly surface. But before the final, there was a bit of a spanner in their works, as Maheesh Theeskshana was ruled out with a hamstring issue. Sri Lanka still have some firepower in their bowling.
Dunith Wellalage will again look to befuddle the Indian batters by imparting a lot of revs on the ball, alongside subtle changes in lines and lengths. Even Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva could make an impression on a turning track. Matheesha Pathirana will offer awkward bounce, yorkers and slower ones, although he did have a bit of chastening experience in his previous game versus India.
On the batting side of things, the trio of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis and Asalanka would have to do the bulk of the scoring. They do have a concern or two — Pathum Nissanka hasn’t been able to convert starts and Shanaka hasn’t done anything of note with the bat so far.
India do have a settled side on paper. The five players rested for the inconsequential game versus Bangladesh will in all likelihood walk back into the XI.
Axar Patel, who put on a gritty performance with the bat versus Bangladesh, has been ruled out. Washington Sundar has been flown in to take his place. Curiously, more than his bowling, India could end up missing Axar’s batting lower down the order. With the track set to provide spinners enough help, India could be tempted to pick three of them.
Time and venue details
Premadasa Stadium, September 17, 2.30 PM local time
Expected conditions
Three showers through the course of the game, at 6 PM, 8 PM and 10 PM. Spin-friendly surface isn’t the only talking point. Under lights, the ball has moved around a little more for the seamers at Premadasa.
Possible XIs
India
Other than the main players slotting back into the XI, India could be tempted to pick Washington Sundar.
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Sri Lanka
Off-spinner Sahan Arachchige has replaced Theekshana. To be seen if they opt for an extra spinner in Dushan Hemantha or stick with Pramod Madhushan.
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madhushan, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Match-up to watch out for:
Gill vs Wellalage
The opener looked in prime form against Bangladesh’s spinners, using the depth of the crease and showing exemplary footwork. However, he struggled to pick the length while facing Wellalage and was castled by a delivery that turned sharply. Wellalage’s ability to impart loads of revs on the ball and subtle changes in length could once more turn out to be a threat for Gill.