Sri Lanka pulls off a stunning Asia Cup win over favoured India

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All eyes on the island nation of Sri Lanka were focused on the far away city of Dubai in the United Arab Republic looking at their cricketers for some relief from the ongoing economic crisis and political instability.  

And Dasun Shanaka’s men did not disappoint. In a nail-biter that had fans in the Dubai International Stadium on the edge of their seats and millions more across the world glued to their television sets, Sri Lanka stunned India by six wickets in a last-over thriller with one ball to spare. It was Sri Lanka’s second victory in the Super Four stage while it was India’s second defeat after crashing to Pakistan a couple of days ago. That ends the dream of a Pakistan-India final. There will be tears shed in India as this is the second straight tournament it has failed to reach the final of a major tournament. It was an odds-on favourite to win last year’s Twenty20 World Cup but New Zealand sent the men in blue packing early. This defeat is bound to bring repercussions when Rohit Sharma’s men return home. 

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While leaving India to lick its wounds Sri Lanka made all but sure of reaching the final. Only a loss by India to Afghanistan could put a stop to the islanders reaching the finale. Put in to bat India managed 173 for eight after a wobbly start thanks to a superb captain’s knock of 72 by Sharma who slammed four sixes and five fours off 42 balls while Suryakumar Yadav weighed in with 34. For Sri Lanka Dilshan Madushanka pegged India back with three for 24 and Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne grabbed two each.   

Sri Lanka got off to a flying start with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis both smashing half centuries and putting on 97 for the first wicket. It looked like a runaway win for Sri Lanka until Yuzvendra Chahal momentarily halted the rush with three for 34. But the islanders weren’t going to be denied as Shanaka struck an unbeaten 33 and Bhanuka Rajapaksa made 25 not out as they reached the finish line to bring joy to their fans back home. 

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done anything lately as far as Australian selectors are concerned. Just ask captain Aaron Finch whose bat has been in cold storage for the past 18 months but he has still been selected to captain the Aussies when they defend the Twenty20 World Cup in a couple of months. 

Jason Roy wasn’t so lucky. The opening batsman for England was left out of the squad for the tournament after a run of poor form in recent months. This will likely be the end of the 32-year-old Roy’s international career and it came as a shock to this standout of the white ball format of the game. While Finch had the support of the selectors the fans in this cricket-mad country were stunned that there was no room for ace all-rounder Cameron Green, spinner Mitch Swepson and powerful batsman Ben McDermott.  

One new face on the squad is Singapore-born Aussie Tim David. The 6-foot-5 David blasted his way into contention and because of his ability to clear the fence, he was in demand in T20 leagues around the world. Earlier this year Mumbai Indians of the Indian Premier League dished out US$1.53 for his services. While David’s selection was applauded, the decision to leave the 6-foot-6 Green on the sidelines rankled the Aussie public. Green proved again how he will be missed in the World Cup by guiding Australia to a two-wicket victory over New Zealand in Cairns on Tuesday. After the visitors posted 232 for nine Green helped the Aussies to 233 for nine for a two-wicket victory. Green held his ground to score a brilliant 89 not out and received good support from Alex Carey who scored 85. The two added 158 for the sixth wicket. 

Meanwhile, England’s hopes of winning the Twenty20 World Cup were dealt a huge blow when star performer Jonny Bairstow was sidelined for the rest of the year because of a “freak accident” while playing golf. He apparently suffered a possible broken leg when he slipped near a tee box in North Yorkshire. Bairstow enjoyed a tremendous year scoring a whopping 1,061 runs including six centuries in 10 Tests. He would have been back in action on Thursday for the deciding third Test versus visiting South Africa where the series is tied 1-1.  

Leg-spinner Ryan Burl made international headlines by leading Zimbabwe to a historic victory against Australia in the third ODI at Townsville. It was Zimbabwe’s first victory over the Aussies in Australia. Burl was at his outstanding best with a haul of five wickets for 10 runs to dismiss the home team for a meagre 141 with opener David Warner scoring 97. Zimbabwe got to 142 for seven in 39 overs with skipper Regis Chakabva carrying his bat for 37. 

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