India and Sri Lanka are gearing up for an exciting showdown in the Asia Cup 2023 final, scheduled to take place tomorrow at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. While Sri Lanka, despite being the defending champions and co-hosts, initially didn’t emerge as favourites, their exceptional performances have dashed the hopes of many India-Pakistan fans eagerly anticipating a historic Asia Cup final between the arch-rivals.
However, a significant concern hovering over the match is the looming threat of rain in Sri Lanka. Recent weather forecasts suggest a high probability of a 90% chance of rainfall in Colombo on match day. To mitigate this risk, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has wisely designated a Reserve Day on Monday, September 18. Nevertheless, even this backup day remains vulnerable to inclement weather, which could potentially lead to India and Sri Lanka sharing the title as joint champions.
Both India and Sri Lanka are grappling with player injuries as they prepare for the grand finale. India’s Axar Patel is expected to miss the final due to an injury sustained during the match against Bangladesh, with Washington Sundar poised to step in as his replacement. On the Sri Lankan side, their leading wicket-taker of the year, off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana, will be sidelined due to a strained right hamstring.
The anticipated Playing XIs for India and Sri Lanka showcase a formidable array of talent:
India’s likely Playing XI: 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 Lanka’s expected Playing XI: 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.
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