India vs Sri Lanka Preview: Asia Cup 2023 Final Showdown in Colombo

On Sunday, September 17, two cricketing giants, India and Sri Lanka, will battle it out at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. As the thrilling Asia Cup reaches its climax, fans are gearing up for an intense contest. While Sri Lanka looks to defend their title, India seeks to reclaim the coveted trophy. The island nation's journey to the finals, against all odds, has been nothing short of impressive.

Recent Team Performances

India and Sri Lanka head into the final with divergent paths. India, having last tasted victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, thirsts for another title. Sri Lanka, currently 8th in the ODI rankings, yearns to prove they aren’t just underdogs. In a recent encounter, Sri Lanka showcased their prowess by restricting India to a paltry 213, only to falter in the chase. With a turning pitch expected for the final and the absence of key players for both teams, strategies will play a critical role.

Pitch and Weather Report

The R Premadasa Stadium will host its sixth match in nine days, pointing to a slow, spin-friendly track. However, with wet conditions anticipated, the extent of turn remains uncertain. The unpredictable weather has been the talk of the town, with rain interruptions being frequent. Light showers are predicted for the final, but hopes are high that the game will not face a complete washout, given the reserve day on Monday.

Predicted Lineups for India vs Sri Lanka: Asia Cup 2023

Indian Team: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul(wk), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

Sri Lankan Team: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Matheesha Pathirana, and Pramod Madushan.