Sri Lanka Aims to Make a Statement Against India in Asia Cup Showdown
Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka is looking forward to a competitive showdown against India in their final Super Four match of the Asia Cup in Dubai. Despite Sri Lanka’s elimination from the tournament after two losses, Shanaka believes his team has a point to prove ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, which they will co-host with India. India has already secured a place in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, while Sri Lanka aims to end their campaign on a high note.
Dasun Shanaka’s Optimism
Shanaka expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating, “We are still good enough, but unfortunately out.” He emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against India, highlighting it as an opportunity for his players to showcase their skills before heading into the World Cup. The Sri Lankan squad, which includes notable players like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, is determined to leave a lasting impression in Dubai. Shanaka’s own performance against India has been commendable, with 430 runs in 22 T20I innings, averaging 26.87, and a strike rate exceeding 140.
India’s Dominance and Key Players
India, having already qualified for the final, boasts a strong lineup, including T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Shanaka acknowledged India’s dominance in T20 cricket over the past decade and praised their effective system. He referred to Suryakumar as a “big match player,” despite the latter’s struggles in the tournament, where he has only managed 59 runs in four innings. Suryakumar’s performance in 2023 has been challenging, with an average of 12.42 across nine innings.
Abhishek Sharma’s Stellar Performance
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a standout performer in the tournament, leading the run-scoring charts with 248 runs in five innings, averaging 49.60 and boasting a remarkable strike rate of 206.66. Shanaka commended Sharma’s form, noting that he is in his prime following a successful IPL season. Sharma is just 34 runs away from breaking the record for the highest runs in a T20I Asia Cup, currently held by Pakistan’s Mohammed Rizwan. His overall T20 performance in 2023 has been impressive, with 966 runs in 23 innings at an average of 42, including two centuries and five fifties.
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