Dubai: Since India has already secured a spot in the final of the T20 Asia Cup, today’s last Super Four match (starting 8:00 PM) against Sri Lanka could see head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav experiment with combinations. However, given the batting-order tweaks Suryakumar tried in the last two games, it’s expected he won’t take too many risks. The final between India and Pakistan will also be played here in Dubai on Sunday at 8:00 PM.
Catches Won’t Be Dropped, Victory Guaranteed
Sri Lanka did defeat India once here in Dubai (in 2022). But if Indian batsmen avoid gifting wickets and the team fields better than it did against Bangladesh—when they dropped five catches—then a win over Sri Lanka is almost certain. Some of those drops came off Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling. Speaking to reporters, Varun admitted: “At this level, dropping catches is never in the team’s interest. No excuses. Since we’ve already qualified for the final, we must practice hard and ensure not even one catch is dropped.”
Floodlight Towers Not Too High
Dubai’s stadium floodlights aren’t mounted on very tall towers, resembling football ground lights instead. Varun explained: “Due to the ring of fire at the stadium, judging high balls can be tricky. But we just need to get used to playing under these lights.”
Head-to-Head in Last Five Matches
In their last five T20 clashes, India has the upper hand. Their most recent meeting, on July 30, 2024, ended in a tie, but India won via Super Over. Earlier (2023–24), India won three straight T20s against Sri Lanka, though in 2023 Sri Lanka did beat India once.
Last Chance for Jitesh & Rinku
Today could be a final chance for wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma to be tried in place of Sanju Samson. Another power-hitter, Rinku Singh, might also get a look-in from Gambhir and Suryakumar. Jitesh and Rinku are the only two players yet to feature in this Asia Cup. Sri Lanka, having lost to both Bangladesh and Pakistan in the Super Four, is already out of the final race.
Sri Lanka Also Has Match-Winners
Under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, India boasts numerous match-winners. But Sri Lanka, though eliminated, could fight back like a wounded lion. They too have game-changers capable of upsetting world number one India. The side led by Charith Asalanka includes key players like Pathum Nissanka, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Chameera, Matheesa Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana.