The Asia Cup 2023 is set for an electrifying conclusion as Team India gears up to face Sri Lanka in the final clash on September 17th in Colombo. Both teams have exhibited exceptional performances throughout the tournament, and the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.
In the Super 4 stage, India showcased their dominance by winning two out of three matches, securing the top spot on the points table with 4 points and an impressive net run rate of +1.753. Sri Lanka, too, displayed their mettle, winning two of their three Super 4 matches, securing the second spot with 4 points and a net run rate of -0.141. With a history of 166 matches in this format, India has won 97 games, while Sri Lanka has emerged victorious in 57 matches.
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Sunday promises another intense battle between these two cricketing giants. Both teams, however, have faced crucial injury setbacks ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final. The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch, known for favoring batsmen, is expected to provide another platform for their skills. The second half of the match might favor pacers, while spinners are likely to play a crucial role during the middle overs.
India
For India, the absence of Axar Patel due to an injury sustained while batting against Bangladesh in a previous match is a significant setback. Washington Sundar has been called in as his replacement and could make a direct entry into the playing XI.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, faces the absence of Maheesh Theekshana, sidelined due to a hamstring injury. In his place, the 27-year-old offspinner Sahan Arachchige has been named as a replacement. Sri Lanka also needs to address questions regarding their best pacers and the optimal opening combination.
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madhushan/Dushan Hemantha, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Kusal Mendis, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Hardik Pandya (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj, Matheesha Pathirana (vc)
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Kusal Mendis, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c)
