Rain has significantly influenced the emotions of fans during the Asia Cup, especially since India have participated in only one complete match, which was also interrupted, against Nepal. Now, Team India is shifting their focus to their second Super Four match against Sri Lanka, scheduled for September 12.
Team India's inaugural game in the tournament against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain, although they managed to bat during that match. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team secured a 10-wicket victory against Nepal in their second game, while their highly anticipated Super Four clash against Pakistan was also affected by rain.
Sri Lanka, who successfully completed their first Super Four match against Bangladesh, emerged victorious and are currently brimming with confidence, posing a significant challenge to India. Moreover, the match will be held on Sri Lanka's home ground, giving them a home advantage. The top bookmakers in India have Asia Cup 2023 odds with them.
Rohit delivered two exceptional performances in the previous two matches and he looks to be a man in form.
The betting tip is...
Rohit Sharma to score Fifty
Team India have been unlucky so far as they have only played one complete match in the tournament due to rain. In their first match against Pakistan, the top order struggled, but players like Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya appeared to be in good form.
Meanwhile, against Nepal and Pakistan (super four), Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill found their form with two back-to-back fifties. Despite not being able to play a full match, Team India appears to be in decent form going into this match.
Team India are likely to go in with the same playing XI that they played against Pakistan.
Predicted Lineup: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.
Sri Lanka are in the form of their life. They are unbeaten in the previous 13 ODI games and have found the ability to fight in big games. Sadeera Samarawickrama was the star performer in their last match and team management will be hoping that he continues the same form against India on Tuesday.
On the bowling front, Matheesha Pathirana was the star with three wickets and he can be a game-changer against India as well. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka ahev also been solid in batting front in the Asia Cup. Overall, Lankans are looking as a team that means business and will be looking to topple India.
Sri Lanka will also not be tinkering with their winning combination in their match against India.
Predicted Lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Team India have usually been very good at one-day cricket. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has had ups and downs over the years. When we look at how many times they've played against each other, India have won 96 out of 165 matches, while Sri Lanka have won 57.
However, Lanka are in very good form and Team India matches haven't been completed because of rain and this could be the difference in this match. Although, it will be a tight affair but we think Sri Lanka will win in the end.