The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharmawill be up against co-hosts Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, in the final of the Asia Cup 2023. The Indian cricket team is coming into the final after a loss to Bangladesh, although several top players were rested for that match. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be confident after running past Pakistan in a close game to enter the final of the continental event. The two most successful teams in the Asia Cup will face each other in the final of the 2023 edition. While India has won the Asia Cup seven times, Sri Lanka has won the Asia Cup six times.
Going into the match, here’s a look at the head to head record, form guide and the results of the last five meetings between the two teams.
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In the meantime Washington Sundar is called in as cover for the injured Axar Patel for the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Axar sustained several injuries during India’s six-run loss to Bangladesh in their last Super Four match on Friday.
The extent of Axar’s injuries is currently unknown and hence bowling all-rounder Washington, who was part of India’s Asian Games squad, has been recalled as a precautionary measure.
“Axar is currently suffering from multiple injuries. He has injured his little finger, has been hit on the forearm by a throw from deep and most importantly has developed a hamstring niggle. So Washington has been called in,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
More than the swelling on his forearm, it is Axar’s hamstring problem that will keep the Indian team management worried with just three weeks to the World Cup.
Washington, who bowls off-spin, last played an ODI at home against New Zealand in January this year.
Ahead of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, the Indian team management on Saturday held a brief meeting with captain Rohit Sharma at the team hotel, according to an ANI report.
This unofficial meeting began with the head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikarm Rathore. bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, chief selector Ajit Agarkarand captain Rohit Sharma later participated in the meeting which lasted for almost 3 hours.
The meeting was probably held to discuss the squads for the upcoming Australia series and the planning of the Asia Cup final.
After the conclusion of the Asia Cup, India will take on Australia in a three-match ODI series on Indian soil before the ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on October 5.
India will play the first ODI against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on September 22.
With PTI and ANI inputs
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