For Sri Lanka, their last Asia Cup outing tonight in Dubai against world champions India is no mere dead rubber, pride is on the line for the former champions. After cruising through the group stage unbeaten, Charith Asalanka’s side hit a roadblock in the Super Four, suffering back-to-back defeats to Bangladesh and Pakistan that knocked them out of contention.

Had they held their nerve in just one of those fixtures, tonight’s clash would have been a virtual semi-final. Instead, they now play only for their pride.

India, meanwhile, have looked a cut above. With heavy hitters up top, spinners who turn games on their head and seamers who can run through sides, they have booked their ticket to Sunday’s final with a game in hand. Barely tested in the tournament, India remain a ruthless juggernaut and Sri Lanka face a monumental task to topple them.

The islanders are tipped to ring the changes after the Abu Dhabi setback. Chamika Karunaratne is under the cosh after failing to deliver with bat or ball, while veteran Kusal Janith Perera has twice thrown his wicket away when experience was the need of the hour. Janith Liyanage, a bright spark in the ODI side, could get a look in. Among the quicks, either Binura Fernando or Matheesha Pathirana may be unleashed.

India too may rotate, resting big names ahead of the final. But such is their bench strength – forged in the furnace of the IPL – that even their reserves pack a punch. If there is a chink in their armour, it has been their catching, with five chances grassed against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, in contrast, have been sharp as hawks in the field.

The LPL has unearthed fresh faces and kept the pipeline flowing, though its stop-start nature and shifting franchise ownership remain stumbling blocks.With nothing left to lose, Sri Lanka are expected to go down fighting. For that to happen, a blazing start from the openers is essential – for when they fail, the rest too often fold like a pack of cards.

Rex Clementine ✍️
in Dubai