‘This Will Hold Them In Good Stead In The Final’: Former India Coach On India’s Batting Collapse Against Sri Lanka

India's Super Four 41-run win against Sri Lanka might look like a comfortable win on paper, but it was not without its heart-stopping moments. Former Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri, speaking on Star Sports, lauded the thrilling encounter, giving credit to Sri Lanka for their resilient performance.

He highlighted the significance of this match for India, emphasising the need for such challenges in the lead-up to the Asia Cup final on September 17 and the World Cup, to be held later in October.

"It was a fabulous match, and you must give credit to Sri Lanka as well. India were 80/0, and then to keep them to 213 with the spinners taking all the wickets for the first time against India. It was a great effort. A young Dunith Wellalage – what a performance from him. He took five wickets and then batted the way he did. He is way above his age," praised Shastri.

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Shastri said that matches like these are crucial for a team's growth and unity. He emphasised the importance of strong fielding and collective performance on the field, stating, "This will hold them in good stead in the final."

Despite defending a relatively modest 213-run total, India's bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav, produced the match-winning performance. The Chinaman took a four-wicket haul, reaching the landmark of fastest Indian spinner to reach 150 ODI wickets.

Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage's brilliant all-round effort was not enough to seal the deals for the Lankan Lions. Wellalage, who claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, was named the Man of the Match, demonstrating his exceptional skills despite being on the losing side.

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With this victory, India secured their second consecutive Super Four win in the tournament, ending Sri Lanka's impressive 13-match winning streak in ODIs.

India's skipper, Rohit Sharma, commended Kuldeep for his remarkable form, highlighting his improved rhythm and consistency in recent times.
"For the past year or so, he's been bowling really, really well. He has done a lot of hard work on his rhythm," remarked Rohit.

The victory marked India's third consecutive day on the field, following their dominant win over Pakistan by 228 runs.

The upcoming Super Four match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will determine the second finalist in the highly competitive tournament. The winner will play India at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo on September 17.