Asia Cup 2023, IND vs SL Live: India March Into Final; Beats Sri Lanka By 41 Runs

The Indian bowlers displayed a magnificent collective performance, propelling their team to a 41-run victory over a resilient Sri Lanka in a Super 4 match and securing a spot in the Asia Cup final on Tuesday.

Rohit Sharma's half-century (53 off 48 balls) played a pivotal role in India's below-par total of 213, as Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) kept them on their toes.

However, India, guided by Kuldeep Yadav's 4 for 43, managed to bowl out Sri Lanka for 172.

India, with four points in the bag, will face either Sri Lanka or Pakistan in the summit clash on Sunday. The hosts are set to clash with Pakistan in a crucial match on Thursday.

The lackluster performance by their batsmen meant that the Indian bowlers needed to be precise from the get-go. Jasprit Bumrah led the way by dismissing Pathum Nissanka, who edged the ball behind the wicket to KL Rahul.

Kusal Mendis, who looked in great form, fell to a slow, full delivery from Bumrah, caught by substitute fielder Suryakumar Yadav at covers. After a quick check with the TV umpire for a bump ball, Mendis was declared out.

Mohammed Siraj joined the party by restricting Dimuth Karunaratne's room to maneuver, leading to a catch by Shubman Gill at second slip.

Sri Lanka was at 25 for 3 at this point, and Kuldeep took a couple of quick wickets, reducing them to 99 for six.

Nevertheless, Wellalage (42 not out) and Dhananjaya de Silva (41 off 66 balls) resurrected Lankan hopes with a partnership of 63 runs for the seventh wicket.

However, the partnership was cut short when De Silva attempted to clear the infield off Jadeja but gave a simple catch to Gill at the edge of the circle.

From that point, Wellalage tried to bridge the gap, but it proved to be an insurmountable task.

Earlier, left-arm spinner Wellalage and off-spinner Asalanka had disrupted the rhythm of Indian batters, taking nine wickets between them.

However, before the Lankan spinners exploited the turning pitch at Premadasa, India started their innings aggressively. Rohit and Gill's opening partnership of 80 runs in just 12 overs brought back memories of India's recent blitz against Pakistan when they posted a massive 356 for two.

Rohit's innings saw him reach a significant personal milestone, becoming the sixth Indian batsman to score 10,000 runs in ODIs. This landmark came in style as Rohit hit a majestic six off pacer Kasun Rajita.

Wellalage's introduction shifted the game's momentum as the spinner halted India's early charge. Gill was the first to depart, his defense without full coverage resulted in his dismissal.

Wellalage then dismissed Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, securing his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

Asalanka wreaked havoc in India's middle and late order, and his delivery to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja was particularly notable. The ball reared from the length, turned, and bounced viciously, taking an edge off Jadeja's bat before nestling into stumper Kusal Mendis' gloves.

India managed to cross the 200-run mark with Axar Patel contributing a valuable 26, which proved to be enough for the night.

Kuldeep Yadav strikes again, and this time, it's Asalanka who departs! Kuldeep's flighted delivery drifts in, tempting Asalanka into a sweep shot. Asalanka connects with the ball, but it brushes off his glove and loops up after making contact with the pad. Rahul, the wicketkeeper, showcases exceptional reflexes, diving forward to his right to snatch the catch inches from the ground. Umpire Richard Illingworth doesn't hesitate and raises his finger. Asalanka engages in a brief discussion with Dhananjaya about whether to review, but ultimately, he decides to walk. He scored 22 runs from 35 balls, including two boundaries. Kuldeep Yadav is on fire, sending both well-set batsmen back to the pavilion. Sri Lanka is in a precarious position now.

The score after 11 overs is Sri Lanka 42-3. Charith Asalanka is batting on 8 runs from 14 balls, while Sadeera Samarawickrama has scored 7 runs from 11 balls. Hardik Pandya has bowled 1 over, conceding 3 runs without taking any wickets. Sri Lanka has lost 3 wickets at this stage in their innings.

Rain departs from Colombo, covers are coming off from the field. Play to resume soon.

Asalanka is on fire for Sri Lanka as he takes two wickets in two balls. Kuldeep Yadav, who has struggled against spin, goes on the back foot to punch a delivery that is turning away. The ball takes a regulation outside edge and is held nicely by the slip fielder to his left. India is faltering against spin, and the R Premadasa Stadium is buzzing with excitement. Kuldeep Yadav is dismissed for a golden duck, and Sri Lanka's spinners are causing havoc in the Indian batting lineup.

Wellalage to Hardik Pandya, he's gone! Wellalage has his maiden fifer. The last ball of his spell does the trick. It's quicker and full outside off, with a hint of turn away. Hardik Pandya leans forward to defend, but the ball takes a thick outside edge. Kusal Mendis is immediately convinced and appeals confidently. However, the umpire is initially unmoved. Sri Lanka decides to review, and it turns out to be a successful one. Hardik Pandya departs after scoring 5 runs from 18 deliveries. Kusal Mendis takes the catch.

KL Rahul is dismissed, caught and bowled by Wellalage for 39 runs from 44 balls, including 2 fours. India loses another wicket, and the match continues to be closely contested.

A crucial wicket for Sri Lanka as Wellalage dismisses Rohit Sharma for 53 runs. Rohit looked well set and was eyeing a big score, but he fell victim to a delivery that stayed low. Wellalage bowled an arm-ball that landed a fraction short, causing Rohit to stay back to defend it. However, the ball didn't bounce as expected, skimming through and beating the toe-end of Rohit's bat before crashing into the leg stump. It was an unlucky dismissal for Rohit, and Sri Lanka gained a vital wicket in quick succession.

A brilliant delivery from Wellalage dismissed Shubman Gill, cleaning up his stumps and breaking a vital partnership. Gill, who had been looking solid, was lured into a defensive shot, only for the ball to spin past his bat and hit the top of off-stump. It was a dream delivery for any spinner and got the home crowd excited. Gill departed after scoring 19 runs, including two boundaries.