Srilanka beat India by 100 runs in the finals at Karachi to lift the Asia Cup. Lankans displayed better all-round cricket. Once again Indians faltered at the final hurdle. Is this related to any South African connection? Just Kidding!
Scorecard: India vs Srilanka, Finals, Asia Cup, Karachi, 2008
Jayasuriya’s Super Knock
Jayasuriya held the fort at one end while wickets were tumbling at the other end. Initially he took his own time and then went after the Indian bowlers. He carted RP Singh for 26 runs in an over. He looked ominous and was set to score a double hundred and eventually fell for 125. He was ably supported by Dilshan. He helped himself with a fifty.
Mendis Magic
Indian batsmen fell to Mendis magic. He is straight and accurate. There is no way India could have recovered from that initial shock. In a pressure match, Indian middle order found wanting. They lacked someone like Rahul Dravid in the middle. Dhoni was made to do the role of Rahul. Actually Yuvraj or Rohit Sharma should have donned that role.
Wrong Strategy by India
I think India went with a wrong strategy. Thing is not about playing 5 or 6 batsmen. The thing is about playing players who can contribute maximum. The final spot was fought between Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan and Uthappa. Among them Chawla or Pathan should have been picked.
Placid Tracks
Most of the wickets in Pakistan are placid and gives nothing for the bowlers. I hope by the time of Championship trophy the wickets offer some assistance to bowlers. Realistically, I don’t except any major improvement in the pitches. Still something can be done about.
Scorecard: India vs Srilanka, Finals, Asia Cup, Karachi, 2008
Jayasuriya’s Super Knock
Jayasuriya held the fort at one end while wickets were tumbling at the other end. Initially he took his own time and then went after the Indian bowlers. He carted RP Singh for 26 runs in an over. He looked ominous and was set to score a double hundred and eventually fell for 125. He was ably supported by Dilshan. He helped himself with a fifty.
Mendis Magic
Indian batsmen fell to Mendis magic. He is straight and accurate. There is no way India could have recovered from that initial shock. In a pressure match, Indian middle order found wanting. They lacked someone like Rahul Dravid in the middle. Dhoni was made to do the role of Rahul. Actually Yuvraj or Rohit Sharma should have donned that role.
Wrong Strategy by India
I think India went with a wrong strategy. Thing is not about playing 5 or 6 batsmen. The thing is about playing players who can contribute maximum. The final spot was fought between Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan and Uthappa. Among them Chawla or Pathan should have been picked.
Placid Tracks
Most of the wickets in Pakistan are placid and gives nothing for the bowlers. I hope by the time of Championship trophy the wickets offer some assistance to bowlers. Realistically, I don’t except any major improvement in the pitches. Still something can be done about.
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