Asia Cup: India Struggles Against Sri Lankan Spin Duo in Asia Cup Super 4 Clash

Colombo, 12th September 2023 – In a gripping Super 4 stage match of the Asia Cup between India and Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket team found themselves in a tight spot as they struggled against the formidable Sri Lankan spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka. The match was played at R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo where India won the toss and elected to bat first.

India, who had just completed a rain-interrupted match against Pakistan yesterday, faced the daunting task of playing again without any rest. Historically, India has faced difficulties against pace and left-handed pacers, but today it was the spinners who troubled them the most.

Dunith Wellalage was the star performer for Sri Lanka, as he claimed a magnificent 5-wicket haul in his 10 overs, conceding only 40 runs. Charith Asalanka provided excellent support, picking up 4 wickets in his 9 overs, and giving away a mere 18 runs.

From the Indian side, captain and opener Rohit Sharma played a steady innings, scoring 53 runs off 48 balls before falling victim to Wellalage’s bowling. Opener Shubman Gill struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 19 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed again by Wellalage. Yesterday’s hero against Pakistan, Virat Kohli, could only muster 3 runs off 12 balls before being caught by Dasun Shanaka off Wellalage’s delivery.

Ishan Kishan, who looked well set, scored 33 runs off 61 balls but was eventually dismissed by Asalanka, with Wellalage taking the catch. KL Rahul contributed 39 runs in 44 balls before being caught and bowled by Dunith Wellalage. The rest of the Indian middle-order, including Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav, failed to make significant contributions and were dismissed for low scores.

The Indian batsmen appeared prepared to face quality Sri Lankan bowlers like spinner Maheesh Theekshana and pacer Mathisha Pathirana but were taken by surprise by the exceptional performances of Wellalage and Asalanka.

As the rain interrupted play, India was struggling at 197 for 9 in 47 overs. However, when the play stopped, Axar Patel remained not out at 15 runs in 29 balls, while Mohammed Siraj was not out at 2 runs in 13 balls.

The outcome of the match remains uncertain, but Sri Lanka’s spin duo has certainly put them in a commanding position. Cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting the resumption of play to see if India can mount a comeback or if Sri Lanka can secure a vital victory in the Asia Cup Super 4 stage. The match is taking place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, adding an extra layer of intensity to this high-stakes encounter.