On India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Final, Irfan Pathan's "One Sided" Dig At Pakistan

16.09.2023 - 10:35 sports.ndtv.com

The stage is set for the Asia Cup final as India square off against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.

India are the most successful nation in Asia Cup history with seven triumphs, while Sri Lanka could match them with a win on Sunday, having won six titles.

While fans eagerly waiting for an India vs Pakistan final, Sri Lanka spoiled the party by knocking out the Babar Azam-led side.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took a dig at Pakistan, saying that the final against Sri Lanka won't be a one-sided affair. "Playing finals against Sri Lanka will be better for team India as it won't be a one sided affair," Pathan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Playing finals against Sri Lanka will be better for team India as it won't be a one sided affair.

cricket Sri Lanka Cricket Team India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team India vs Sri Lanka cup on Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Irfan Pathan India Sri Lanka Pakistan

Sunday brought in great news for the Indian cricket team. The Rohit Sharma-led side put up clinical show to win the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka in Colombo by 10 wickets. A fairytale spell from Mohammed Siraj skittled through the Sri Lankan batting order on Sunday in the final of the Asia Cup. The 29-year-old pacer made history, not just for himself but for the country. Siraj became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in an over in men's internationals. He is the joint fastest to take 5 wickets in a match, but most importantly his performance helped India win the Asia cup for a record 8th time.

Asia Cup Final: Sri Lanka Fan's Shocked Reaction After Mohammed Siraj's 4-Wicket Over Goes Viral

The Asia Cup 2023 final between Indian cricket team and Sri Lanka cricket team turned into a one-sided affair for the Rohit Sharma-led team, thanks to Mohammed Siraj. The 29-year-old right-arm pacer bowled the spell of his career so far as he scalped six wickets for 21 runs. He is now only the fourth Indian to scalp six wickets in an ODI after the great Anl Kumble, Jasprit Bumrah and Stuart Binny. Siraj's fiery spell consisted one over in which he scalped four wickets - the first time an Indian has done so.

Why Did Mohammed Siraj Bowl Only 7 Overs In Asia Cup Final vs Sri Lanka? Rohit Sharma Reveals 'Message From Trainer'

After bundling out Sri Lanka for 50 on Sunday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma couldn't hide his delight at the performance of his fast bowlers and said the variety they give to the team is extremely important. Pacer Mohammed Siraj bowled a wonderful spell (6 for 21) that laid the foundation for India's 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. "I get a lot of satisfaction when I see fast bowlers perform like this. All the captains take a lot of pride in fast bowling (at their disposal), and I am no different. We have got a fantastic set of fast bowlers," Rohit said at the post-match media conference.

India vs Sri Lanka: What Happens If Asia Cup Final Between IND And SL Is Washed Out On Sunday?

The Asia Cup 2023 matches have been severely affected by rain during the entire stretch of the competition and the final between India and Sri Lanka on Sunday was not different. The toss took place on time but the game did not start as rain halted proceedings at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the entire ground had to be covered properly by the groundstaff. If match is completely washed out on Sunday, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has kept a reserve day for the final on Monday (September 18). The final is the second match to have a reserve day after the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash.

Watch: Virat Kohli Mobbed By Fans Ahead Of Asia Cup Final, As Other Players Walk By

Team India face a stern test as they take on Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday in Colombo. After a disappointing defeat to Bangladesh on Friday, Rohit Sharma and his team will welcome back big names for the summit clash, including star batter Virat Kohli, who was rested alongside four others for the dead-rubber. Kohli has been in stunning form in the Asia Cup, smashing an unbeaten 122 against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage. Ahead of the final, Kohli was mobbed by fans, despite the presence of security personnel. The video is now viral.

India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2023 Final: Rohit Sharma Set To Surpass Sachin Tendulkar, Equal MS Dhoni For Historic Feats

In the 15th edition of Asia cup across formats India take on Sri Lanka in search for the 8th Asia Cup title. Sri Lanka will be defending their championship (won in 2022, T20Is). India will be playing 10th final in Asia Cup across format, seven times they have faced Sri Lanka in the Final. India has won four times in the seven encounters in Asia Cup Final. Out of the three defeats for India v SL, two of them have come in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will be playing their 12th Asia Cup final across format.