Sri Lanka proved to be the stronger side in their Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 match against India. The island country defeated the defending Asia Cup champions by six wickets, reserving their place in the final. It was the performance of the Lankan openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, that proved to be a boon for the Lankans. The two batters both scored half-centuries each and gave the team a solid footing for their innings in response to India’s 173.

The openers scored only a single run in the first over but soon went all out. In his innings, Nisanka smashed four boundaries and two sixes, scoring 52 from 37 balls. On the other hand, Mendis also took 37 balls to score 57 runs. His innings was laden with four boundaries and three sixes.

Also Read| Asia Cup 2022 Super 4: 5 key moments from India vs Sri Lanka match

The openers gave Sri Lanka a solid start, with their partnership breaking when they were sitting comfortably at 97/1 in 11.1 overs. Charith Asalanka and Danushka Gunathilaka, who batted in the third and fourth positions, failed to capitalize and lost their wickets scoring 0 and 1 each.

This is the third time in Sri Lankan cricket history that an opening pair have scored 50+ runs each. The other instances include Sanath Jayasuriya (81) & Tilakratne Dilshan’s (74) performance against the West Indies at Trent Bridge in 2009, and Dilshan (75*) & Dinesh Chandimal’s (58) partnership against Pakistan at Mirpur in 2016.

Also Read| Asia Cup 2022, Super 4: Sri Lanka beat India by 6 wickets

Sri Lanka will next face Pakistan in their last and final Super 4 match of the series on September 9. They had defeated Afghanistan before repeating the feat against India tonight. 

India, on the other hand, will face Afghanistan on September 8. However, India’s chances to qualify for the finals will depend upon the Afghanistan vs Pakistan match scheduled for September 7.

The Asia Cup final is set to take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 11.