Asia Cup 2023 Final: The Last Battle of the Asia Cup 2023 is just around the corner and the two finalists INDIA and SRI LANKA are all set to combat in the final fight for the coveted Asia Cup trophy. The contest between the 7-time champion India and 6-times as well as defending champion Sri Lanka will kick start at 03:00 PM IST.
The most successful teams of the Asia Cup have made it into the championship game yet another time. India, who won the Asia Cup seven times in total (1984, 1988, 1991, 1995, 2010, 2016, and 2018), would be eager to win the championship for a record-breaking eighth time. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would definitely be looking to defend their Cup and equal the numbers with India.
India topped the Super 4 table and were the first team to qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 Finals. India won 4 out of the 5 matches they played in the tournament. They defeated the Number 1(then) ODI team Pakistan by a record margin of 228 runs.
Despite having 4 of their regular bowlers injured, Sri Lanka also had a terrific season. They won 4 out of their 5 matches and have lost one against India by 41 runs. They defeated the Number 1(then) ODI team Pakistan by 2 wickets in a must-win game of Super 4s to qualify for the finals and eliminate the Men in Green from the tournament.
Asia Cup 2023 Final: Weather Report
The weather forecast is a bit disappointing, to be honest. There are 98% rain possibility forecasted (as per weather.com) at the time of toss. Scattered thunderstorms and rain are predicted for as long as one hour at the start of the match. Weather conditions are looking better past 4:30 PM with rain chances less than 15%.
Asia Cup 2023 Final: IND vs SL Head-to-Head
India and Sri Lanka have faced each other a number of times. Out of 166 matches, India have won 97 times, and Sri Lanka overcame 57 times. Interestingly, the two Asian giants have met each other in as many as 8 finals of the Asia Cup where India won 5 times and Sri Lanka won the remaining. This is the 9th time they are going to the play Asia Cup Final.
Team Updates
Axar Patel has been pulled out of the final after sustaining injuries while batting against Bangladesh. His replacement, Washington Sundar, was drafted in and may immediately get a chance in the starting XI.
Similarly, Sri Lanka, who were already short of bowling options got another blow when Theekshana got injured. Due to a hamstring injury, Maheesh Theekshana will not play in the final. Sahan Arachchige, a 27-year-old offspinner, will take his place.
Asia Cup 2023 Final: Probable Playing 11s
INDIA playing 11: Rohit Sharma(C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
For more details head to ICC’s official website.
