Batting first, India posted 168/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a blistering 75 off 37 balls by opener Abhishek Sharma, who was later named Player of the Match. Despite a solid 77-run opening partnership between Sharma and Shubman Gill, India stumbled in the middle overs as Shivam Dube (2), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (5), and Tilak Varma (5) failed to deliver. However, Hardik Pandya’s quick-fire 38 off 29 balls ensured India reached a fighting total.
In reply, Bangladesh collapsed for 127 in 19.3 overs despite India’s sloppy fielding, which included five dropped catches. Kuldeep Yadav once again impressed with the ball, claiming 3/18, while the rest of the bowling unit maintained pressure throughout.
This result officially knocks Sri Lanka out of the Asia Cup final race, as even a win in their remaining match would only get them to two points. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to face off in a virtual semi-final today, with the winner advancing to meet India in the grand finale. If Pakistan wins, it will set up the first-ever India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final in the tournament’s 41-year history.
India will now be playing its 11th Asia Cup final and eyeing a record-extending ninth title. With Abhishek Sharma leading the batting charts (248 runs at a strike rate of 206.66) and Kuldeep Yadav dominating with 12 wickets, the Men in Blue look primed for glory.
1.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
