India is set to face defending champion Sri Lanka in the finals of the Asia Cup in 2023. After beating Pakistan in a nail-biting thriller, Sri Lanka qualified for the finals and shattered a dream India-Pakistan final. However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that facing Sri Lanka in the finals will be good for India.
Irfan believes that the final will not be a one-sided affair and will help India’s preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. In his latest social media post, he said, “Playing the finals against Sri Lanka will be better for Team India as it won’t be a one-sided affair.” It’s worth noting that in the last few years, whenever India has faced Pakistan, the match has ended with one side dominating.
The match against Sri Lanka earlier this week tested the Indian team in every aspect of the game. The Men in Blue needed to put up some special bowling and fielding performances to defend 213 runs against a formidable Sri Lankan team. In addition, Indian batters were also tested against the quality spin attack as Dunith Wellalage dismantled Team India.
India is set to face Bangladesh ahead of the finals
Ahead of the final encounter against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday, India will face Bangladesh in their last Super Four game on Friday. Bangladesh will look to gain some confidence from this game and end their campaign on a high note. On the other hand, Indian team management might use this as an opportunity to test their bench strength ahead of the prestigious ODI World Cup.
It’s worth noting that India will host the World Cup from October 5 to November 19 in 12 cities across the country. The opening match will be played between defending champions England and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India will start their campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.
Here is how fans reacted to Irfan Pathan’s comments:
Pakistan is the best team in the world but 3rd best team in Asia
— Riya Gogoi (@RiyaGogoiAssam) September 15, 2023
Sri Lanka have been impressive in the tournament so far, with young players such as Dunith Wellalage,asalanka,pathirana and sadeera,mendis is also key player for them….
The match is likely to be a close one, but India have the edge in terms of experience and balance. If they…
— Ravi.. (@aryaMravi) September 15, 2023
Yes same alike it's good for india that Pakistan isn't in finals although losing crucial matches against Pak Ct 2017 final is a prime example also t20 worldcup one sided match. Phr aa jatay ap Parodosiyo ko ronay ?
— Mirza Hassan ???? (@mirzasays_) September 15, 2023
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Sir we are lumber one team pic.twitter.com/Gyt9jbnyZN— ????.??????? (@kohlifangirl178) September 15, 2023
Correct Sir.
They can be dangerous on a turning pitch.
?— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) September 15, 2023
Bhai aise kon pelta hai ??? pic.twitter.com/QhHqkKo5n1
— Div? (@div_yumm) September 15, 2023
Pakistan team after every Irfan Pathan tweet: pic.twitter.com/9PcuDxBfvB
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 15, 2023
Irfan Father of Pakistan Button ??? ?
— ???????s??? (@45Fan_Prathmesh) September 15, 2023
Owend Pakistan cricket team ?
— TROLL PAKISTAN CRICKET (@trollpakistanii) September 15, 2023
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) September 15, 2023
Spin bowling ke liye world cup ke liye prepare bhi ho jaayenge ????
— Gauravgupta (@Gauravg2152) September 15, 2023
