On September 12, as predicted by the pitch, Sri Lankan spinners dominated the game. Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka took all nine wickets, causing India’s batting line to break down before 200 runs at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium.

Although they won the toss and decided to bat first, the Indian openers appeared to be battling to keep up with the Sri Lankan pace attack. When spinners were introduced into the game, the entire dynamic shifted, and wickets began to tumble like a deck of cards.

“Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya were all dismissed by Dunith Wellalage. Charith Asalanka, the other spinner, took four wickets: Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav”, according to the statement received.

Kudeep Yadav took four wickets to end Sri Lanka’s comeback attempt in their Asia Cup Super 4 match on Tuesday, as India won by 41 runs. The victory ensured India’s place in the Asia Cup final. It also ensured that the upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan would be treated as a virtual semi-final.

Batting first, India were held to 213 against Sri Lanka, with left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage returning with a career-high 5/40 and off-spinners Charith Asalanka and Theekshana claiming the other four wickets in a brilliant bowling performance.

India’s skipper Rohit Sharma scored the most runs with a 48-ball 53, while KL Rahul (39 runs) and Ishan Kishan (33 runs) also contributed.

Axar Patel scored 26 runs near the end of the game.

Venkata Krishna B, our senior cricket writer, is in Pallekele covering the Asia Cup. Please visit this link to see the Asia Cup drama develop through Venkata’s eyes and words.

“We weren’t expecting this kind of wicket; I expected a batting wicket.” However, we eventually adjusted nicely, particularly Wellalage, De Silva, and Asalanka. Dasun Shanaka: “I had the luxury of two genuine batters; they have been bowling in the nets, and I know their true potential. Today I had the option of using them.”

“When you’re behind the stumps, you have a good idea of what the batter is doing, and it worked out for Kuldeep,” Rahul explains.

“It was incredible. We were not on the pitch for 100 overs, but as many overs as we were there, it physically challenged us. It was fantastic to see that we showed up today and gave it our all. We showed up, which is a huge accomplishment for our team. Always pleased to contribute to the team, when batting in the middle order, it is critical to form partnerships. I’ve been gone for 4-5 months, and I’ll take whatever comes my way; it was a critical partnership with Ishan Kishan. We were 20–30 runs short for the third day in a row, and a couple more partnerships could have taken us to 230–240,” KL Rahul added.

India wins by 41 runs!

It was not a simple task! They were on the pitch for the third day in a row! Only Rohit Sharma reached a half-century today, demonstrating the team’s weariness. However, India’s bowlers were able to keep the Lankan hitters at bay and secure their second victory in the Super Four stage.

“It was a fun game.” To play a game like that under pressure on a difficult pitch. It was difficult in a variety of ways. “We’re definitely interested in playing on pitches like this to see what we can achieve, so we might as well come here and play on pitches like these,” said Rohit, the Indian captain.

Only Rohit Sharma (53), Ishan Kishan (33), and KL Rahul (39) have scored more than 30 runs.

India had reached 197/9 in 47 overs by the time rain suspended play. The pitch is currently covered, and the rain is continuing. The Sri Lankan pacers finished the last wicket and India’s innings at 213, when the showers stopped.

Dunith Wellalage took 5 wickets for Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka took 4 wickets, and Maheesh Theekshana took 1. Sri Lanka now needs 214 to win in 50 overs.

With this victory, India advances to the 10th Asia Cup final in Sunday’s game. Although India leads the point table, Sri Lanka remains equipped with a higher net run rate compared to Pakistan. This implies that only a win would be enough for Pakistan on Thursday, whereas a tie means Sri Lanka will advance to the final.

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