Big image: Watch out for spin and rain
The continent’s crown jewel is on the road, however the two groups combating for it come into the ultimate with totally different motivations. India haven’t lifted
any multi-team trophy since their Asia Cup win in 2018, and are determined to know the way that feels. Sri Lanka, ODI rating No. 8, wish to drill it in that regardless of making the ODI World Cup solely via the qualifiers, they’re extra than simply darkish horses.
Hosts Sri Lanka possess the template to defeat India, as a result of they very almost did so final week. They had bowled India out for 213 – all ten wickets taken by spinners, together with 4 by a part-time offspinner – and have been favourites on the midway stage. But their top-order allow them to down. Rattled by India’s tempo, they might by no means actually get well.
With a gradual, turning floor anticipated for Sunday, Sri Lanka’s greatest guess could be to observe that bowling plan, topped up with a greater batting present. Going their means is a powerful efficiency in a difficult chase in opposition to Pakistan within the digital semi-final, however that was a batting-friendly floor. They will sorely miss the injured Maheesh Theekshana, a wicket-taking risk at each stage of an ODI innings.
India come into the ultimate on the again of a defeat, however with key gamers resting for the Bangladesh recreation, that outcome will not be of a lot significance. Every batter of their first XI has not less than one massive rating whereas their bowlers look in nice rhythm. Their steadiness, although, might be examined with the allrounder Axar Patel additionally dominated out with a hamstring niggle.
All that planning will matter for little or no if the climate would not maintain up. A shortened match or a washout are each attainable since climate forecasts predict rain on Sunday (and Monday, the reserve day).
Form information
India LWWWW (final 5 accomplished ODIs, most up-to-date first)
Sri Lanka WLWWW
In the highlight: Mendis, Thakur and Washington
Kusal Mendis has been having fun with a purple patch as Sri Lanka’s No. 3. With 253 runs in 5 video games, he’s the second-highest run-scorer of the sequence and his three fifties have are available in wins over Pakistan (91), Bangladesh (50), and Afghanistan (92). A great rating in opposition to India – ideally a century having been dismissed within the nineties twice – is the one factor lacking from his Asia Cup 2023 CV.
Will Shardul Thakur or Washington Sundar be India’s No. 8? With Axar dominated out, India have to allocate his overs to another person, ideally one other spinner if the floor stays as anticipated. That makes Washington a favorite together with his offbreaks a great match-up in opposition to Sri Lanka’s left-hand batters. But Washington solely flew in from Bengaluru on Friday, and Shardul has been in Sri Lanka all alongside, making key contributions with the ball. India have an essential name to make on match day.
Team news: Tilak within the last for India?
If India go together with Thakur at No. 8, then Tilak Varma may very well be chosen for his position as a 3rd spin-bowling choice.
India (possible): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Ishan Kishan/Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Shardul Thakur/Washington Sundar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Jasprit Bumrah
For Sri Lanka, legspinner Dushan Hemantha is the favorite to interchange Theekshana. They might additionally herald allrounder Sahan Arachchige, however Hemantha has stronger bowling credentials. Kusal Perera ought to maintain his place within the XI.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 8 Dunith Wellalage, 9 Dushan Hemantha, 10 Matheesha Pathirana, 11 Kasun Rajitha
Pitch and situations: Plenty for the bowlers
This would be the sixth match in 9 days on the R Premadasa Stadium, so a gradual, turning floor is on the playing cards. However, the anticipated moist situations might play a think about how a lot the ball truly turns.
Stats and trivia: Win toss, bat first
“Winning the [Asia Cup] final is very important for us because we need to create a winning habit. Peaking at the right time and gaining momentum at the right time is important.”
India batter Shubman Gill after Friday’s Super Four recreation in opposition to Bangladesh
“The boys want to deliver for the country. As a team, we have been underdogs. Everyone wants to perform at the bigger stage and these youngsters need to show the world what they are capable of. That’s the secret of this young team.”
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka on his workforce’s motivation
Source web site: www.espncricinfo.com
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