by Rex Clementine

 In 1983, in New Delhi, some of cricket’s famous names such as  S.K. Wankhede (India), M.A. Chidambaram (India), I.S. Bindra (India), Jagmohan Dalmiya (India), Gamini Dissanayake (Sri Lanka), Nuzki Mohammad (Sri Lanka), Abdul Rahman Bukhatir (UAE) and Air Marshal Nur Khan (Pakistan) came together to form the Asian Cricket Council. The Asian bloc at that point had little clout with England and Australia enjoying veto powers and step by step they worked meticulously to shift the power base back to Asia. The Asia Cup was a result of this.

 If Mr. Gamini Dissanayake was living, he would have wondered whether all this trouble was worth as eventually India grabbed all the power and started dominating world cricket. Some say, rather unkindly, that Mr. Dissanayake helped create a monster. But, the visionary leader he was, he wouldn’t mind this. He would rather have friends at CCI (Cricket Club of India) than at Lord’s.

 When the schedule for the current Asia Cup was announced, it was no secret that the organizers and Star Sports, who owned the television rights wanted three India-Pakistan games. Since the 2019 World Cup, the  format and in the Asia Cup they were guaranteed to meet twice – in the first round and in the Super Four stage. There was a possibility of a third India – Pakistan game as well if these two teams progressed to the finals.

 However, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka had other ideas as Pakistan were beaten in a last ball thriller.

 Everyone wants to see an India – Pakistan final in the Asia Cup. Eyeballs for the big game means millions of US$ through television revenue. But the jinx is that since the inception of Asia Cup, 15 tournaments have been conducted but not a single final has been contested by India and Pakistan. So, this time too Asia Cup doesn’t have a final between the region’s two powerful nations. Every time Sri Lanka are spoiling the organizers plans.

 Sri Lanka have now featured in 12 Asia Cup finals while India have been there on ten occasions with Pakistan featuring in only five finals.

 It has been a tough few years for Sri Lankan cricket no doubt and there is overwhelming evidence that we are coming out of the gloomy days. Young players like Dunith Wellalage, Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Pathum Nissanka have become crucial members of the Sri Lankan side.

 While Wellalage was the cynosure of all eyes against India early this week, Asalanka stole the limelight on Thursday as the game went on well past mid-night. We have been promised great things by both players, two former Sri Lanka Under-19 captains and they are delivering the goods. With World Cup around the corner, these are good signs as well.

 Kusal Mendis was under pressure leading up to the tournament following a string of low scores. But he’s played some blinders and two match winning knocks has not only assured his place in the side but put Sri Lanka in the finals too.

 With two needed off the last ball in what was a virtual semi-final against Pakistan, any other player would have looked for a big hit to take his team through with the entire nation watching. But such is Asalanka’s maturity, he smartly clipped Zaman Khan behind square for a couple to seal the game having spotted the vacant area.

 India will be strong in Sunday’s final and are favourites to win the title. Sri Lanka nearly beat them in the second-round game in a low scoring thriller and here’s another opportunity for them to create a major upset.

Ticket prices sensibly were brought down and RPS will be packed on Sunday hoping for a grand show by their team.

 Given the challenging group they were in, people even doubted whether the Sri Lankan side will go beyond the first round after their bowling attack was completely depleted. But how well they have fought, keeping their nerves and pulling off some crunch games. Irrespective of what happens on Sunday, there’s hope for the fans to believe that their team will do something special in the World Cup later this year.