Table of Contents
- India’s journey in the tournament
- Sri Lanka’s journey in the tournament
- Indian and Sri Lanka trophy records in Asia Cup
The much-awaited final of the Asia Cup 2023 is all set to take place on Sunday, September 17, at the renowned R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This eagerly anticipated clash will feature two of the most successful teams in the history of the Asia Cup, India and Sri Lanka.
India’s journey in the tournament
India’s journey in the continental cup has been marked by significant highs and one unexpected low. They entered the Super Four stage as one of the favourites and lived up to their billing with an astonishing record-breaking ODI victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. This win showcased their batting skills and made a powerful statement to their competitors.
In their encounter against Sri Lanka, India displayed their ability to handle pressure in a low-scoring affair. Their bowling unit came to the forefront, defending a modest total and securing another crucial victory. However, they faced an unexpected setback in their final Super Four game against Bangladesh. Despite the loss in the dead rubber, India’s performances leading up to the final have showcased their strength and depth.
Sri Lanka’s journey in the tournament
Sri Lanka’s journey in the multination event had its share of ups and downs. They began the Super Four stage impressively, defeating Bangladesh convincingly. This victory set a positive tone for their campaign, but they faced a stern test against India. The loss to India highlighted the challenges Sri Lanka could encounter in the final.
What truly defined Sri Lanka’s path to the final was their thrilling last-ball victory over Pakistan. This heart-stopping win showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Sri Lanka’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride, but their final appearance is a testament to their determination.
Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka announces Maheesh Theekshana’s replacement for the final showdown against India – Asia Cup 2023
Indian and Sri Lanka trophy records in Asia Cup
India’s record in the Asia Cup is a testament to their cricketing talent in the region. With seven titles to their name, they have consistently dominated the tournament. Their victories in 2016 and 2018 further solidified their reputation as the team to beat in the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka, with six Asia Cup titles, are India’s closest competitor in terms of historical success. Their performances in the tournament have been characterized by moments of brilliance and the ability to rise to the occasion.
What will happen if rain intervenes in the final
Rain has played a significant role in the marquee event, and its impact on the final cannot be underestimated. In the event of rain in the summit clash, the game will be rescheduled to a reserve day on Monday, September 18. This provision ensures that the final can be completed and a winner determined.
Nevertheless, if rain persists on the reserve day, the trophy will be shared between both the sides. Shared trophies are a rarity in cricket, and it would be a memorable yet somewhat anticlimactic conclusion to the tournament.
Not the first Time for shared trophies
Sharing the trophy due to rain won’t be a new experience for India and Sri Lanka. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 Final, rain disruptions on September 29 and 30 forced the fixture to end without a result. Consequently, captains Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya accepted the joint winners’ trophy, an event etched in cricketing history.
