In the aftermath of the riveting Asia Cup Super 4 clash, Shoaib Akhtar lambasted individuals suggesting India intentionally faltered against Pakistan. Akhtar's phone buzzed with insinuations that India "fixed the game" to thwart Pakistan's progression in the tournament. Yet, after India's resounding triumph over Pakistan by 228 runs, they needed to outclass Sri Lanka to bolster their final qualification hopes.
Enter Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka's emerging young talent, who posed significant threats with both bat and ball. The 20-year-old prodigy rattled India's top-order, dispatching the likes of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, ultimately claiming a remarkable five-wicket feat. India's retaliation was swift. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj wreaked early havoc, setting the stage for Kuldeep Yadav's spellbinding performance against the Sri Lankan middle-order. However, Wellalage wasn't done. Displaying dexterity with the willow, he carved out 42 runs off just 46 balls. India's answer? Strategic wickets from Kuldeep, Hardik, and Jadeja, leading to a Sri Lankan total of 172 and sealing a 41-run victory for India.
Akhtar, with clear admiration, highlighted Wellalage's impact, dismissing accusations against India. "You're awash with unfounded claims that India threw the game to corner Pakistan. Have you witnessed the brilliance of Sri Lanka's bowlers, especially Wellalage and Asalanka? That young gun amassed 43 and took 5 wickets, and yet, the conspiracy theories flow," voiced a frustrated Akhtar.
He questioned the logic behind the claims, emphasizing India's drive to secure a spot in the finals. "They're in it to win. Aimless memes circulate, but India's resilience was on full display. Kuldeep's contribution was monumental, and Bumrah's defense of a modest total was nothing short of heroic," Akhtar opined.
In the current Asia Cup standings, India stands undefeated in their Super 4 bouts. Bangladesh's journey concludes, leaving Pakistan and Sri Lanka in a decisive face-off in Colombo. The victor challenges India in the grand finale. However, Sri Lanka has a slight edge with a superior net run rate, should rain play spoilsport.
