Asia Cup: Nepal Skipper Says Will Allow India 'Fanboy Moment' Only After Match

03.09.2023 - 16:19 sports.ndtv.com

Nepal are looking forward to the "big opportunity" of facing cricketing powerhouse India in the Asia Cup, skipper Rohit Paudel said Sunday, adding that his players would be looking to interact with their idols.

Asia Cup debutants Nepal will play India in the final Group A match in Pallekele on Monday to decide the second team to make it to the Super Four stage of the 50-over tournament, a precursor to the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Nepal, who made waves after they reached the World Cup qualifiers earlier this year, suffered a heavy loss to Pakistan in the tournament opener.

They now face another stern test against seven-time Asia Cup winners India, whose opening match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain after the first innings.

cricket India Cricket Team Asia Cup 2023 cup Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Asia Cup India Pakistan Nepal

Mohammed Siraj, who is also known as 'Miyan Magic' to his fans, won hearts at the R Premadasa stadium here after the final match as he dedicated the ‘Player of the Final' cash prize to the ground staff for their hard work to ensure the final game as also some games earlier went ahead after interruptions caused by rain. A number of games were affected by rain throughout the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka like India's group-stage game against Pakistan and Nepal, Asia Cup final spot decider between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. "This cash prize goes to the groundsmen. This tournament wouldn't have been possible without them," Siraj said.

India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup Final: Rain Threat Looms, Hourly Weather Update Of Colombo

India take on Sri Lanka in Sunday's Asia Cup final, a crucial momentum-builder heading into next month's ODI World Cup. Both teams have 13 Asian titles between them, with India winning on seven occasions. India kicked off their campaign with a washed-out match in Pallekele against Pakistan, before beating Nepal to qualify for the Super 4 stage. India then defeated both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, before being stunned by Bangladesh on Friday, in the absence of rested stars like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, among others.

Indian Team Management Holds Brief Meeting With Skipper Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Ahead Of Asia Cup Final: Report

Ahead of the Asia Cup final clash against Sri Lanka, the Indian team management on Saturday held a brief meeting with skipper Rohit Sharma in the team hotel. This unofficial meeting began with head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikarm Rathore. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma joined the meeting later which lasted for almost 3 hours. The meeting was likely held to discuss the squads for the upcoming Australia series and the Asia Cup final planning.

"An Age-Old Problem": Shahid Afridi Lashes Out At Pakistan Management After Asia Cup Elimination

Pakistan's hopes of clinching the Asia Cup 2023 title were crushed on Thursday as the Babar Azam-led side lost a must-win match against Sri Lanka. Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 252/7 in 42 overs (due to rain) Mohammad Rizwan scoring an unbeaten 86. However, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka's fiery batting performance, took Sri Lanka across the line on the last ball of the match, with two wickets in hands. After the heartbreaking elimination, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi criticised their poor team selection.

Asia Cup 2023: Team India Gets Shreyas Iyer Boost Ahead Of Bangladesh Clash, Batter Joins Practice

Having missed India's Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer could be available for the team's Asia Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh on Friday. Iyer was replaced by KL Rahul against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka as he battled back spasm. But, on the eve of the Bangladesh match, the batter rejoined the team's practice session. Iyer featured in India's Group Stage games against arch-rivals Pakistan and Nepal in the Asia Cup, scoring 14 runs against Pakistan.

Asia Cup 2023: First Time In 49 Years! India Achieve Unwanted Record Against Sri Lanka

The Indian cricket team batters struggled to score against the spin attack of Sri Lanka and were eventually all out for 213 during their Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash. Dunith Wellalage was the top performer with five wickets while Charith Asalanka provided perfect support with a four-wicket haul in the match. The only other wicket went to off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana. All 10 wickets in the Indian innings went to the Sri Lanka spinners and this was the first time that such a thing has happened since India started playing ODI cricket back in 1974. However, Kuldeep Yadav was able to spin some magic of his own as India dismissed Sri Lanka for 172 to win the match and book their spot in the final.