Team India clinched a record-extending eight Asia Cup title on September 17 (Sunday) after Rohit Sharma's brigade trounced Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a lopsided final at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Right-arm pacer Mohammed Siraj single-handedly crushed Sri Lanka's batting line-up with a magical spell with the new ball. From there on, it was a mere formality for the Men in Blue and they completed the remaining task hand without even breaking a sweat.
Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 50 runs in 15.2 overs with Siraj finishing with magical figures of 6/21 in seven overs, including a maiden. Hardik Pandya bagged three wickets and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with a strike as well.
In the run chase, Rohit did not come out to bat and sent Ishan Kishan to open the innings with Shubman Gill. Sri Lankan pacers lacked the spirit to put up a fight despite assistance from conditions. Gill and Kishan went on a boundary-hitting spree as India chased down the target of 51 in the seventh over only at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Gill hit six fours in his 19-ball 27 whereas Kishan hit the winning runs to remain unbeaten for 23 from 18 balls.
Asia Cup 2023 Prize Money
After the game, captains of both teams - Rohit Sharma and Dasun Shanaka - were awarded the winners and runners-up cheques during the post-match presentation. For winning the title, Rohit was handed a cheque of $150,000 (approximately 1.25 crore) while for finishing second-best, Shanaka was handed a cheque of $75,000 (approximately 63 lakh).
Rohit gives update on Iyer, Axar's injury
During the press conference after the final, Rohit dropped massive injury updates on star batter Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Axar Patel. The 'Hitman' said that Iyer has made steady progress, ticked 99 percent of the parameters set for him and passed different tests after suffering from back spasms. The Indian skipper also affirmed that the right-handed will be ready for the three-match ODI series against Australia.
On Axar, Rohit said that the all-rounder has a 'small tear' and is set to be out for a week or even 10 days. The Indian captain also affirmed that Axar might miss the opening two ODIs against the Baggy Greens.
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