Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka expressed deep disappointment following his team’s crushing 10-wicket defeat to India in the one-sided Asia Cup 2023 final on Sunday. Shanaka publicly apologized to Sri Lankan fans for the lackluster performance displayed by his team on the field. The final, which took place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw India lift the Asia Cup trophy for the 8th time in an emphatic fashion.
Shanaka extended his gratitude to the fans who turned out in large numbers to support the Sri Lankan team and acknowledged the team’s failure to meet their expectations. “I would like to thank the fans who came in numbers, really sorry that we disappointed you. We, as cricketers, really love you. And congratulations to the Indian team for the brand of cricket they’re playing,” Shanaka said during the post-match presentation.
The Asia Cup final showcased an exceptional display of bowling by India’s fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, who decimated Sri Lanka’s top order. India secured their 8th Asia Cup title with ease, lifting the trophy after a gap of five years. Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan’s fifty-run opening partnership propelled India to victory.
Shanaka congratulated India on their comprehensive win and commended Mohammed Siraj for his outstanding performance. “It was an outstanding display of bowling from Siraj, credit to him for how he approached the game. I thought it would be a good pitch for the batters, but the overcast conditions played a part, and it was a tough, tough day. Of course, the application could have been better, and we could have tightened our technique to settle down and free our arms in the middle period,” Shanaka remarked.
He also highlighted the positive aspects of Sri Lanka’s performance in the competition, praising several players, including Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, and Pramod Madushan. Shanaka expressed confidence in their abilities and expected strong performances from them in the upcoming World Cup. Despite missing five key players, he emphasized that reaching the final against strong opponents was a positive sign of progress from where the team stood two years ago.
Sri Lanka’s batting performance in the final was abysmal, as they were bowled out for just 50 runs in 15.2 overs, with Mohammed Siraj claiming six wickets in seven overs. In response, India achieved the target in a mere 37 balls without losing a wicket, marking India’s largest victory in terms of the number of balls remaining in the innings and Sri Lanka’s biggest defeat.
The Asia Cup final not only showcased India’s dominance but also highlighted areas for improvement for the Sri Lankan team as they prepare for future challenges.