In an exhilarating showdown between India and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 of the Asia Cup 2023, Team India reigned supreme over the defending champions. This triumph ensured their ticket to the grand finale. Amidst the euphoria, the spotlight was firmly on Ravindra Jadeja.
Delivering an impeccable performance, Jadeja conceded just 33 runs in his 10-over spell, picking up 2 crucial wickets. These weren't just any wickets; they etched his name in history. Surpassing Irfan Pathan, Jadeja now sits atop as the highest wicket-taker for India in the Asia Cup.
Preceding the clash against Sri Lanka, Jadeja and Pathan were neck and neck with 22 wickets apiece. But with this match, Jadeja took his tally to 24.
Indian Bowlers dominating the Asia Cup charts
Ravindra Jadeja - 24
Irfan Pathan - 22
Kuldeep Yadav - 19
Sachin Tendulkar - 17
Kapil Dev - 15
Team India's March to the Final
Sri Lankan maestro, spinner Dunith Vellalage, seemed to have Team India cornered. With a whirlwind performance, he bamboozled half the Indian lineup, pushing them to the ropes. Bar Rohit Sharma's resilience, Indian batsmen found themselves in a quagmire, and the team settled for 213. In this endeavour, Rohit Sharma added another feather to his cap, surpassing 10,000 ODI runs, becoming the sixth Indian to achieve this milestone.
Dunith Vellalage's prowess wasn't limited to the ball; he showcased grit with the bat too, amassing an unbeaten 42. The Lankan lions seemed to be on course, but India's Kuldeep Yadav had other plans. Running through the Sri Lankan batting order, his 4-wicket haul ensured they were bundled out for 172.
Having previously obliterated Pakistan with a mammoth 228-run victory, and now with this win against Sri Lanka, Team India is marching with confidence, securing the first slot in the finals with four points in the bag. Their next encounter is against Bangladesh on 15th September in the Super-4 stage. For Sri Lanka, the path is clear but arduous; they must best Pakistan in their ensuing fixture to clinch a final berth.
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