Asia Cup 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Top player battles to watch out for between India and Sri Lanka
The final of the 2023 Asia Cup is set to be played between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match is scheduled to be played between the two teams on the 17th of September. Like other matches in the tournament at the venue, rain is set to intervene in the match. But the fans are hoping for a complete game to witness the winner of the contest.
There are many departments where players can play crucial roles to help their team win. The Indian team has some of the best players in the world. On the other hand, Sri Lanka knows how to play in their own conditions. Hence, the contest is expected to be very good. Here are the five player battles, whose winner can impact the eventual result of the match.
#5 Dunith Wellalage and Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja and Dunith Wellalage (Source: Twitter)
The two players are known to be spinners who can bat. The two players have contributed immensely to the success of their respective teams. Wellalage has the most wickets for a spinner in the tournament. Jadeja has performed well in his appearances for India and played a crucial role with the ball against Sri Lanka. Though Jadeja has not fired with the bat and Wellalage did against many teams, it will be a battle worth watching.
#4 Jasprit Bumrah and Matheesha Pathirana
Jasprit Bumrah and Matheesha Pathirana (Source: Twitter)
The two pacers are known for their skills at the death. Bumrah is capable of swinging and seaming the ball. Adding to it, Bumrah has immense experience in international cricket. On the other hand, Pathirana is a youngster and has picked wickets well in his maiden Asia Cup. In the ongoing tournament, the 20-year-old is the leading wicket-taker. It would not be wrong to say that their death bowling would impact the result of the match.
#3 Hardik Pandya and Dasun Shanaka
Hardik Pandya and Dasun Shanaka (Source: Twitter)
Hardik Pandya is in a very fine form in the ODIs lately. The star All-rounder has contributed both as a batter and as a bowler for India in the tournament. On the other hand, Shanaka has done very well as a bowler and is yet to contribute with the bat. Shanaka has led Sri Lanka well in the tournament despite the absence of some of the key players. The battle between the two can decide the totals of the two teams in the final.
#2 Shubman Gill and Pathum Nissanka
Shubman Gill and Pathum Nissanka (Source: Twitter)
The two youngsters have a lot of similarities. Both are young but have already established themselves in their respective teams. Both are openers and contribute well to the team at the top. Gill has a hundred in the most recent match against Bangladesh. Nissanka has scored a lot of runs for Sri Lanka in 2023. The two batters play a crucial role in the success of their team. The winner of the battle can lay a good platform for their side.
#1 Virat Kohli and Kusal Mendis
Virat Kohli and Kusal Mendis (Source: Twitter)
Virat Kohli is a legend of the format. Against Bangladesh, Virat was rested, which makes him fresh in the match against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Mendis is the second-highest run scorer in the tournament and has amazing numbers to back himself. The two batters are known for striking well in the middle overs. For the two teams to have a say in the victory, it is important that the respective players have a good game with the bat.