Cricket Scorecard

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Sri Lanka needs to chase the biggest target of this Asia Cup to finish on a high. Their batting has struggled in the Super Four stage, but we cannot deny the quality that they have, and they are also playing with an extra batter that could help them out. However. the Indian attack is one of the best, even without Jasprit Bumrah, and they will be confident of defending this and going into the final as the only undefeated side. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Sri Lanka  will be disappointed with their overall bowling effort. While the catching was sharp, the ground fielding let them down as they leaked far too many easy runs. The fifth-bowler issue cropped up once again, despite managing a couple of wickets. The combined four overs from Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka went for 43. Apart from Nuwan Thushara, every other bowler picked up a wicket, but none managed to keep the economy rate under 9, which summed up a tough outing with the ball.

The Powerplay unfolded as expected, with Abhishek Sharma setting the tone through some brilliant ball-striking, while Shubman Gill couldn’t make much of an impact this time. SKY’s lean run carried on, but that hardly bothered the left-hander, who powered to his third consecutive fifty - though once again failing to kick on to a bigger score, something Yuvraj Singh might surely remind him about. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson then took charge in the middle overs, ensuring the scoring rate s

India have smashed the highest total of this Asia Cup, crossing the 200-run mark for the first time in this edition! It was a powerful batting display, something we’ve consistently seen from the Men in Blue right through the tournament. Blistering starts, attacking play in the middle overs, and this time, after a couple of games where the finish was lacking, they’ve closed things out in style with the bat - a timely boost heading into the final.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, ! Axar Patel finishes off in style! A full toss outside off. Axar Patel shuffles a long way across off and smashes it flat and over deep mid-wicket for a six. The third umpire, however, checks whether the ball bounced before the ropes. But the replay shows that it has clearly sailed over the boundary. 13 off the final over. INDIA FINISH ON 202/5.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Fuller delivery, outside off. Axar Patel carves it away to deep backward point for a couple of runs. So far, so good from Dushmantha Chameera and their head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, appreciates that.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Cannons in a full delivery, around off. Axar Patel squeezes it to the right of short third. Maheesh Theekshana dives and collects on the bounce. A single taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, WIDE! Tries to keep it away from the arc, but bowls outside the tramline, outside off. Axar Patel tries to carve that through the off side but misses. Wide given.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Wide full toss, outside off. Tilak Varma liberates his arms and steers it to deep backward point for a single. 

Dushmantha Chameera (3-0-27-1) to bowl the last over. Can he keep India under 200? It is going to be difficult as Sri Lanka have been penalised for slow over rate and have to keep an extra fielder inside the circle. Also, a bit of a halt as something has flown into the eye of Tilak Varma and the medical staff is in to check on him. He is fine and we are good to go now!

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Fires in a yorker, outside off. Axar Patel jams his bat down and carves it out to extra cover for a single. Great start from Chameera!

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Quicker delivery, full and on the leg stump. Axar Patel clips it uppishly to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, In-drifter on the leg stump. Tilak Varma tries to slog that over the leg side, but the ball grazes the front pad and runs behind to the left of short fine leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Axar was a goner had the throw hit!

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Short and grips away from off. Punched off the back foot to extra cover for a quick single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Wide!

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, TOP EDGE, ! Darted full and on the pads. Tilak Varma gets low and tries to sweep, but gets a thick, healthy top edge. The ball flies over the keeper and runs towards the fence. Kusal Perera from short fine leg and Nuwan Thushara from short third run after it. The latter tries to stop the ball with his foot, as he runs into the fence, but the ball keeps trickling and taps on the boundary.

At the toss, Charith Asalanka said they want to keep India under 175. Well, that is not happening, and with two overs still remaining, they will be hoping that the Men in Blue do not go beyond that 200-run mark. Here comes Maheesh Theekshana (3-0-28-1) to bowl the penulimtae over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Stays low from a fullish length, on middle. Axar Patel hangs back and tucks it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Speared in full and outside off. Axar Patel drills it down to the right of long on for a single. 

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, ! Nice execution! An attempted yorker, but lands as a fuller delivery, outside off. Axar Patel opens the bat face late deliberately and gets it through to the left of short third for a boundary. 

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Nails in a yorker, on off. Axar Patel shovels it out to the bowler.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Overthrows! A yorker, outside off. Axar Patel bends low and squeezes it out to short third. Picks up the first run very quickly. Dushmantha Chameera releases a wayward throw to the batting end, and the ball rolls towards the cover region with no one to back up. This allows the batters to hare back for the second run.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, WIDE! Miles outside off, beyond the tramline. Patel lets it be. Wide called, but Nuwan is not happy with that.

Nuwan Thushara to Tilak Varma, Fuller and outside off. Tilak Varma sits across and tries to sweep it to the leg side, but gets a thick inside edge and the ball deflects off the front pad before rolling into the off side. They cross.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Full delivery, on middle, at 131.8 kph. Axar Patel flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

Who bowls the 18th?

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Misfield! That's sloppy! What could have been a dot ball adds two runs to the Indian score! Short and onto the pads. Tilak Varma swivels and pulls it to the short fine leg fielder. Nuwan Thushara there fumbles to collect the ball and parries the ball behind him, allowing the batters to pinch in a couple of runs. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, ! Cleverly played! A bit too full and angling on middle. Tilak Varma shuffles across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary. He moves to 39 off just 27 deliveries.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Short and angled into the bodyline. Axar Patel pulls it along the turf to deep square leg for a single. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Swing and a miss! Hard length, outside off. Axar Patel advances down the track and looks to slash it over extra cover, but the ball bounces over his angled bat.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, No run.

Axar Patel comes out to the middle now.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hardik Pandya, ! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR, AND GONE! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! This is a screamer of a catch from Dushmantha Chameera! Outstanding effort from the Sri Lanka premier pacer! He slams the deck hard, and aims the bodyline of the batter. The ball lands and nips in a touch as well. Hardik Pandya is rushed into the pull shot, but the ball kicks up a bit and takes the top edge. It flies high up, over mid on. Dushmantha Chameera turns around from his follow-throug

Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-20-0) is back on.

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, Good-length delivery, angling on the pads. Hardik Pandya steers it away to deep square leg for an easy single. 12 off the over, but including Samson's wicket as well.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Low full toss, outside off, Tilak drills it down to long off for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, At 131.4, into the blockhole, on the stumps. Hardik Pandya shovels it to the leg side for a single. 

Hardik Pandya walks out to bat now.

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, WIDE! Over-the-head bumper, Hardik Pandya shapes to pull. Misses. Wide called.

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, ! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! Dasun Shanaka gets his first, finally. Sanju Samson is gutted with himself as he departs for a well-constructed 39 off just 23 deliveries. India are 158/4.

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, Gets away with it, does Dasun! Takes all the pace off from the delivery, full and outside off. Sanju Samson swings the bat in January but the ball arrives in June. Tries to loft it downtown, but gets an inside edge and the ball dribbles behind to the keeper. 

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, ! Number 3 for Samson and he is in a fine touch tonight! Fractionally short at just 108.5 kph, on middle. Sanju Samson weighs on the back foot, waits for the ball to arrive and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for an 87-meter six. And to make things worse for Dasun Shanaka and Sri Lanka, it is a NO BALL for overstepping! Sanju will face the Free Hit delivery...

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, slower one, outside off. Tilak Varma plays from the crease and cuts it away to deep point for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Shortish and on middle, Tilak Varma stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for one more. 11 runs off the over. Also, 150 up for India!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Slows it up, full and around off, Sanju Samson eases it to long off for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Up, up and away! Floated, full and on middle, another one in the slot. Sanju Samson clears his front leg and launches it high and handsomely over the long on fence for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Tossed up, full and on middle, Tilak Varma clips it towards square leg for a single.

Change?

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Six singles in the over! Dragged back and outside off, Tilak Varma punches it through cover-point for one more. Good stuff from Theekshana!

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, Uppish but safe! Flighted, full and outside off, Sanju Samson reaches out and lifts it aerially but on the bounce towards wide long off. They cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Flatter, full and on middle, Tilak Varma goes down and slogs it hard and on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, A low full toss, on middle, Sanju Samson mistimes his lofted stroke towards long on for another run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Quicker and shorter, outside off, Tilak Varma tries to cut but stabs it off the bottom half of the bat towards extra covers for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga is leaving the field now. He was seen struggling mid-over with possibly a side strain. Maheesh Theekshana is back on. He is 2-0-22-1 so far and replaces Charith Asalanka.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, Shorter in length and on middle, Sanju Samson stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Short and on leg, Sanju Samson nudges it through mid-wicket for one more. 13 runs off the over, 33 in the last three!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Looped up, full and on middle, Tilak Varma sweeps it wide of deep square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, A bit short and around leg, Tilak Varma flicks it off the back foot towards deep square leg for another double.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Flighted, full and on middle, Sanju Samson eases it towards long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Wrong'un, full and on middle, turns in, Sanju Samson clips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Smart cricket!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Sanju Samson gets into the act now! Tossed up, full and on off, in the slot as well, Samson gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the bowler's head for half a dozen more.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Darts one full and on middle and off, Sanju Samson stays back and knocks it back to the bowler.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Dragged back, on middle, Tilak Varma punches it down to long on for one.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, ! Into the crowd! Fires one full and on middle, angling in a bit, Tilak Varma goes down one knee and aboslutley nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a 80-metre biggie.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Sanju Samson chips it over mid-wicket for a single.

Spin in tandem now. Charith Asalanka is back on. He is 1-0-7-1 so far and he replaces Dushmantha Chameera.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Quicker, short and around leg, Sanju Samson is already standing outside leg stump and heaves it towards deep square leg for a brace. Nelson on the board!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Flatter, full and on off, Sanju Samson opens the face of his bat and guides it towards point for one more. 9 runs off the over without taking any risks!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Goes short and around off, Tilak Varma punches it through extra covers for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Flighted, full and on leg, Tilak Varma tucks it with soft hands towards the vacant square leg region and turns around for the second. Makes it comfortably in the end!

DRINKS! At the halfway mark, India are exactly 100/3. With the batting depth and power that they have, they will want to double this in the next ten. However, they have two relatively new batters in the crease who will just take a couple of overs before changing gears. Sri Lanka needs to use this phase to get a couple of cheap overs and make the batters try to do something out of the ordinary, which can create opportunities for them. The spinners will have a crucial role to play now and could

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sanju Samson drives it to long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, No run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Great start after the break! A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Sanju Samson has all the time in the world to rock back and smacks it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Spears it full and onto the leg stump line, from around the stumps. Tilak Varma misses out on the flick shot and the ball thuds the front pad before rolling towards backward square leg for a leg bye.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, At 136.3 kph, good length, on the fifth stump line. Tilak Varma tries to nudge it to the leg side, but ends up knocking it straight to the bowler. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, ! Gloriously played! On a length, outside off. Tilak Varma presses forward and cracks it through extra cover and the ball bullets away to the fence!

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, on off. Tilak Varma tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Hard length, skidding off the surface, outside off. Tilak Varma waits back and dabs it to the point region for a single. 

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single. 

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Flat and outside off, cut away by Samson to deep point for a single. He gets off the mark!

Sanju Samson is the next man in.

Charith Asalanka to Abhishek Sharma, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! The Sri Lankan skipper provides a huge breakthrough for his side. Abhishek Sharma departs for a breezy 61 off just 31 deliveries. India are 92/3 down now.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Spots Tilak dancing down the track, Charith darts it on a length, and drifts on middle. Tilak Varma jumps out of the crease and tries to work it across. Misses to connect and the ball grazes the thigh pad before running behind to the third man region for a leg bye.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, ! Through the gap! Full and on middle, flatter one. Tilak Varma makes room for himself and carves it away to deep extra cover, beating the dive of the long off fielder, to his right, for a cracking boundary.

Charith Asalanka to Abhishek Sharma, The Sri Lanka skipper is into the attack now. Charith Asalanka bowls a round-arm delivery from around the stumps. Follows the batter and darts it onto the leg stump line, on a length. Abhishek Sharma shimmies down the track and stays leg side. Punches it through cover for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Another short ball, slower one at 118.8 kph, on top of off. Abhishek Sharma pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for one more. 11 off Shanaka's first over. 15 runs from the last two overs for India. 

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Short and a bit outside off. Tilak Varma stands tall and drags it across with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Bangs it short and on the leg stump line. Abhishek Sharma waits back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Overthrows! Full from Shanaka, around off. Abhishek shimmies down the track and smashes it straight to mid off. Calls Varma through for a single and the southpaw responds well. Abhishek is at the danger end and has to hurry as the mid off fielder scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. However, Abhishek has dragged the bat inside in time. The ball deflects off the stumps and rolls to the leg side, allowing the batters pinch another run. So, two runs taken.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, WIDE! Starts off with a loosener. Down leg on a fuller length, Tilak misses to flick. Wide called.

Double change.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Short and outside off. Tilak Varma hangs back and punches it down to the left of long off for a single. An excellent start for Wanindu Hasaranga. Just 4 runs from his first and a big wicket of SKY.

Tilak Varma comes out to the middle now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, ! LBW! Wanindu Hasaranga makes his presence felt in his very first over as he fishes out the Indian skipper. Hasaranga dishes out a flighted delivery, on the middle stump line, on a fullish length. It lands and just spins away a shy bit from the pitch. Suryakumar Yadav premeditates the shot and goes for a sweep, but misses out on it. The ball passes close to the inside edge and hits his front pad. A very good confident shout for LBW, and up goes

Wanindu Hasaranga to Abhishek Sharma, Slower googly, at just 79.8 kph. Short and outside off. Abhishek Sharma hangs deep and cuts it to deep extra cover for a single.

The physio comes in running for a mandatory concussion check. SKY got hit on his helmet, but it was a soft blow and now he is good to go again.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, A googly, full and spinning back into the batter from middle. Suryakumar Yadav sits down on his knee and attempts to sweep shot, but he is very early into the shot and misses. The ball pops off the deck and hits his helmet grill.

A bit of relief for Sri Lanka as the field restrictions have been lifted now. However, they need to stop Abhishek Sharma or else this could get away from them in the blink of an eye. Here comes their most lethal weapon - Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Abhishek Sharma, Dragged length, around off and turning in a bit. Abhishek Sharma rocks back and pulls it uppishly to the left of long on for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Slams the deck hard on middle. Abhishek Sharma bunts it down the pitch.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, ! FIFTY FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! Off just 22 deliveries! His third consecutive half century! Bangs it short into the pitch, on middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma weighs back and pulls it over wide square leg for a boundary. Another solid knock so far from him. He is looking very dangerous as his rich vein of form continues.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Excellent fielding! Abhishek Sharma didn't bother to run quickly as he thought it might run away to the fence. On a good length, on off. Abhishek Sharma shimmies down the track and lofts it over mid on. The ball lands in the long on region, before the ropes and just slows down. Charith Asalanka from the inner circle runs after it and flicks it into the playing area with a sharp dive. Two taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, Slingy delivery, too full and on middle. Suryakumar Yadav shapes to flick that to the leg side, but gets a thick leading edge. The ball runs behind square on the off side for a single.

Change of ends for Nuwan Thushara.

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, MORE! 15 runs off Dushmantha Chameera's first over!

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, ! Good shot!

NEW BALLS, PLEASE! We are just 4.3 overs into the game, and it seems like the current ball has lost its shape already. And understandably so, as it has taken quite a beating and tour around the park. The fourth umpire comes out with the briefcase of replacement balls. Both the on-field umpires choose one of them and we are good to continue. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss! Dushmantha Chameera sees the batter back away, hits the length hard and on middle and off. Abhishek Sharma goes a bit too far away from the ball and slashes but fails to connect.

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, ! Cracking shot! Fuller in length and around leg, takes pace off too, Abhishek Sharma quickly backs away to make room. He gets under it nicley and dispatches it with ease over the long off fence for a biggie. 50 up for India!

Dushmantha Chameera to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Suryakumar Yadav, So close!

Chameera time? Certainly. Here's Dushmantha Chameera into the attack now, replacing Nuwan Thushara.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, Goes short and on middle, turns in, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Elegant stroke! Pushed through quicker, full and on off again, Suryakumar Yadav this time leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, Tossed up, full and on off, turns in, Suryakumar Yadav looks to drive it away but gets an inside ede onto the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, 2 runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, JUST SHORT! Short and around off, Abhishek Sharma tries to cut it away but hits it uppishly towards point. Charith Asalanka dives forward but the ball just drops in front of him.

Change?

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, No ball and Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 2 runs.

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, Slower one, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana has walked off the field. The catch he took to dismiss Gill might have stung him really hard and he is out to get a bit of treatment. We can see him apply the icepack to his left hand. 

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Fuller and on leg, shapes in, Abhishek Sharma fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. The fielder dives to his left but lets it through and the batters gets a leg bye.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, ! Up and over!

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, Wide!

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is in at 3.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! That is a magnificent catch from Maheesh Theekshana! He flights it up, full and around off, sticks to the surface a bit. Shubman Gill goes for the drive but plays it early as the ball flies off he bottom half of the bat towards the bowler. Theekshana on his follow-through, flings himself to the left side and grabs it with his outstretched hand and more importantly, holds onto it when his hands hit the ground. Gill is left stunned

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, Misses out! A full toss, on middle, Abhishek Sharma backs away but mistimes his lofted shot towards mid off, where a misfield allows the single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, ! BANG! Welcome to the game, Maheesh Theekshana! He begins with a floater, full and on leg, Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg away and absolutely smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Who bowls from the other end? Pace or spin? Spin it will be. Here's Maheesh Theekshana into to the attack. 

Nuwan Thushara to Shubman Gill, ! Gets off the mark in style! Nuwan Thushara serves it much fuller this time, on middle, angling into the pads. Shubman Gill steps across and using his wrists, gently clips it away. He gets good timing on that one as the ball goes over mid-wicket and races to the fence for the first boundary of the game. 8 runs off the first over!

Nuwan Thushara to Shubman Gill, Just pulls his length back a bit around off, shaping away, Shubman Gill reaches out a bit and pushes it to short covers.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Good bowling! Nuwan Thushara bowls a good yorker now, on middle, swing in again, Abhishek Sharma gets his bat down in time as the ball goes off the inner half towards deep square leg. They cross.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Full again and on middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma takes a couple of steps forward and tucks it away but straight to short mid-wicket.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Movement right away! Nuwan Thushara starts with a fuller delivery, on middle, shaping in sharply into the leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A shout for LBW, but turned down. Clearly going down the leg!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 2 runs.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! India get underway with extras! Full again but swings a bit too much down the leg side, Abhishek Sharma fails to glance it away. Wided.

All the pre-match rituals are done as 'Sri Lanka Matha' and 'Jana Gana Mana' are sung. It is now game time here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Not a full house by any means, but still, a buzzing turnout in the stadium, with supporters of both sides turning up in nearly equal numbers. The Lankans spread out of the last-minute huddle and take their respective fielding positions. And interestingly, it is not Shubman Gill, but Tilak Varma, who walks out to open with Abhishek Sharma. Nu

We are just a few minutes away from the action to get underway. But before that, both sets of players and the match officials are getting lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by the Indian national anthem. 

The live visuals capture the entire Indian squad gathered in the middle, posing together for the commemorative photographs, before the start of the final Super Four clash of this edition of the Asia Cup.

India's TILAK VARMA is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He mentions that he tries to finish games off. Highlights that it came at the right moment for him against Pakistan. On his batting position, he shares that he has batted at several positions over the last couple of years, so he is used to it. Shares that Gautam Gambhir, their head coach, has said that everyone should be flexible in the batting order, and says that as a batting unit, they are mentally ready for every position. Te

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull and Ravi Shastri are pitchside with their thoughts. Simon first begins by sharing that it is the same pitch that was used in the India vs Bangladesh game. Also highlights that the scores around 160-170 haven't been chased easily. Also adds that there has been some help for the spinners. Ravi joins and says it is a good opportunity for the batters to go out and get big runs. Reckons that the surface will remain good throughout as it has played out nicely so far. Stresse

Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper of India, says that they would have batted first anyway. Adds that they have been playing good cricket and just wants to stick to their plans. Mentions that dropping catches is a part of the game, but you have to want the ball to come to you to make a difference. Informs that Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube have been rested. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana comes in the team.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says they know that they cannot qualify for the final,  but they will treat this as a very important game. Looking at the track, he stresses that they will try to restrict them to 170-175. Mentions that the Lankan openers have been really consistent up top. Informs that they are going with one change for this game, as Janith Liyanage comes in for Chamika Karunaratne.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh (In place of Jasprit Bumrah), Harshit Rana (In place of Shivam Dube).

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage (In place of Chamika Karunaratne), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.

TOSS - Charith Asalanka calls it right and Sri Lanka have elected to BOWL first.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Sri Lanka needs to chase the biggest target of this Asia Cup to finish on a high. Their batting has struggled in the Super Four stage, but we cannot deny the quality that they have, and they are also playing with an extra batter that could help them out. However. the Indian attack is one of the best, even without Jasprit Bumrah, and they will be confident of defending this and going into the final as the only undefeated side. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Sri Lanka  will be disappointed with their overall bowling effort. While the catching was sharp, the ground fielding let them down as they leaked far too many easy runs. The fifth-bowler issue cropped up once again, despite managing a couple of wickets. The combined four overs from Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka went for 43. Apart from Nuwan Thushara, every other bowler picked up a wicket, but none managed to keep the economy rate under 9, which summed up a tough outing with the ball.

The Powerplay unfolded as expected, with Abhishek Sharma setting the tone through some brilliant ball-striking, while Shubman Gill couldn’t make much of an impact this time. SKY’s lean run carried on, but that hardly bothered the left-hander, who powered to his third consecutive fifty - though once again failing to kick on to a bigger score, something Yuvraj Singh might surely remind him about. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson then took charge in the middle overs, ensuring the scoring rate s

India have smashed the highest total of this Asia Cup, crossing the 200-run mark for the first time in this edition! It was a powerful batting display, something we’ve consistently seen from the Men in Blue right through the tournament. Blistering starts, attacking play in the middle overs, and this time, after a couple of games where the finish was lacking, they’ve closed things out in style with the bat - a timely boost heading into the final.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, ! Axar Patel finishes off in style! A full toss outside off. Axar Patel shuffles a long way across off and smashes it flat and over deep mid-wicket for a six. The third umpire, however, checks whether the ball bounced before the ropes. But the replay shows that it has clearly sailed over the boundary. 13 off the final over. INDIA FINISH ON 202/5.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Fuller delivery, outside off. Axar Patel carves it away to deep backward point for a couple of runs. So far, so good from Dushmantha Chameera and their head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, appreciates that.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Cannons in a full delivery, around off. Axar Patel squeezes it to the right of short third. Maheesh Theekshana dives and collects on the bounce. A single taken.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, WIDE! Tries to keep it away from the arc, but bowls outside the tramline, outside off. Axar Patel tries to carve that through the off side but misses. Wide given.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Wide full toss, outside off. Tilak Varma liberates his arms and steers it to deep backward point for a single. 

Dushmantha Chameera (3-0-27-1) to bowl the last over. Can he keep India under 200? It is going to be difficult as Sri Lanka have been penalised for slow over rate and have to keep an extra fielder inside the circle. Also, a bit of a halt as something has flown into the eye of Tilak Varma and the medical staff is in to check on him. He is fine and we are good to go now!

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Fires in a yorker, outside off. Axar Patel jams his bat down and carves it out to extra cover for a single. Great start from Chameera!

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Quicker delivery, full and on the leg stump. Axar Patel clips it uppishly to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, In-drifter on the leg stump. Tilak Varma tries to slog that over the leg side, but the ball grazes the front pad and runs behind to the left of short fine leg for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Axar was a goner had the throw hit!

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Short and grips away from off. Punched off the back foot to extra cover for a quick single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Wide!

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, TOP EDGE, ! Darted full and on the pads. Tilak Varma gets low and tries to sweep, but gets a thick, healthy top edge. The ball flies over the keeper and runs towards the fence. Kusal Perera from short fine leg and Nuwan Thushara from short third run after it. The latter tries to stop the ball with his foot, as he runs into the fence, but the ball keeps trickling and taps on the boundary.

At the toss, Charith Asalanka said they want to keep India under 175. Well, that is not happening, and with two overs still remaining, they will be hoping that the Men in Blue do not go beyond that 200-run mark. Here comes Maheesh Theekshana (3-0-28-1) to bowl the penulimtae over.

Maheesh Theekshana to Axar Patel, Stays low from a fullish length, on middle. Axar Patel hangs back and tucks it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Speared in full and outside off. Axar Patel drills it down to the right of long on for a single. 

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, ! Nice execution! An attempted yorker, but lands as a fuller delivery, outside off. Axar Patel opens the bat face late deliberately and gets it through to the left of short third for a boundary. 

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Nails in a yorker, on off. Axar Patel shovels it out to the bowler.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Overthrows! A yorker, outside off. Axar Patel bends low and squeezes it out to short third. Picks up the first run very quickly. Dushmantha Chameera releases a wayward throw to the batting end, and the ball rolls towards the cover region with no one to back up. This allows the batters to hare back for the second run.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, WIDE! Miles outside off, beyond the tramline. Patel lets it be. Wide called, but Nuwan is not happy with that.

Nuwan Thushara to Tilak Varma, Fuller and outside off. Tilak Varma sits across and tries to sweep it to the leg side, but gets a thick inside edge and the ball deflects off the front pad before rolling into the off side. They cross.

Nuwan Thushara to Axar Patel, Full delivery, on middle, at 131.8 kph. Axar Patel flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

Who bowls the 18th?

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Misfield! That's sloppy! What could have been a dot ball adds two runs to the Indian score! Short and onto the pads. Tilak Varma swivels and pulls it to the short fine leg fielder. Nuwan Thushara there fumbles to collect the ball and parries the ball behind him, allowing the batters to pinch in a couple of runs. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, ! Cleverly played! A bit too full and angling on middle. Tilak Varma shuffles across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary. He moves to 39 off just 27 deliveries.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Short and angled into the bodyline. Axar Patel pulls it along the turf to deep square leg for a single. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, Swing and a miss! Hard length, outside off. Axar Patel advances down the track and looks to slash it over extra cover, but the ball bounces over his angled bat.

Dushmantha Chameera to Axar Patel, No run.

Axar Patel comes out to the middle now.

Dushmantha Chameera to Hardik Pandya, ! STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR, AND GONE! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! This is a screamer of a catch from Dushmantha Chameera! Outstanding effort from the Sri Lanka premier pacer! He slams the deck hard, and aims the bodyline of the batter. The ball lands and nips in a touch as well. Hardik Pandya is rushed into the pull shot, but the ball kicks up a bit and takes the top edge. It flies high up, over mid on. Dushmantha Chameera turns around from his follow-throug

Dushmantha Chameera (2-0-20-0) is back on.

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, Good-length delivery, angling on the pads. Hardik Pandya steers it away to deep square leg for an easy single. 12 off the over, but including Samson's wicket as well.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Low full toss, outside off, Tilak drills it down to long off for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, At 131.4, into the blockhole, on the stumps. Hardik Pandya shovels it to the leg side for a single. 

Hardik Pandya walks out to bat now.

Dasun Shanaka to Hardik Pandya, WIDE! Over-the-head bumper, Hardik Pandya shapes to pull. Misses. Wide called.

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, ! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! Dasun Shanaka gets his first, finally. Sanju Samson is gutted with himself as he departs for a well-constructed 39 off just 23 deliveries. India are 158/4.

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, Gets away with it, does Dasun! Takes all the pace off from the delivery, full and outside off. Sanju Samson swings the bat in January but the ball arrives in June. Tries to loft it downtown, but gets an inside edge and the ball dribbles behind to the keeper. 

Dasun Shanaka to Sanju Samson, ! Number 3 for Samson and he is in a fine touch tonight! Fractionally short at just 108.5 kph, on middle. Sanju Samson weighs on the back foot, waits for the ball to arrive and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for an 87-meter six. And to make things worse for Dasun Shanaka and Sri Lanka, it is a NO BALL for overstepping! Sanju will face the Free Hit delivery...

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, slower one, outside off. Tilak Varma plays from the crease and cuts it away to deep point for a single. 

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Shortish and on middle, Tilak Varma stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for one more. 11 runs off the over. Also, 150 up for India!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Slows it up, full and around off, Sanju Samson eases it to long off for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Up, up and away! Floated, full and on middle, another one in the slot. Sanju Samson clears his front leg and launches it high and handsomely over the long on fence for a biggie.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Tossed up, full and on middle, Tilak Varma clips it towards square leg for a single.

Change?

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Six singles in the over! Dragged back and outside off, Tilak Varma punches it through cover-point for one more. Good stuff from Theekshana!

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, Uppish but safe! Flighted, full and outside off, Sanju Samson reaches out and lifts it aerially but on the bounce towards wide long off. They cross.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Flatter, full and on middle, Tilak Varma goes down and slogs it hard and on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, A low full toss, on middle, Sanju Samson mistimes his lofted stroke towards long on for another run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Tilak Varma, Quicker and shorter, outside off, Tilak Varma tries to cut but stabs it off the bottom half of the bat towards extra covers for a run.

Wanindu Hasaranga is leaving the field now. He was seen struggling mid-over with possibly a side strain. Maheesh Theekshana is back on. He is 2-0-22-1 so far and replaces Charith Asalanka.

Maheesh Theekshana to Sanju Samson, Shorter in length and on middle, Sanju Samson stays back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Short and on leg, Sanju Samson nudges it through mid-wicket for one more. 13 runs off the over, 33 in the last three!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Looped up, full and on middle, Tilak Varma sweeps it wide of deep square leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, A bit short and around leg, Tilak Varma flicks it off the back foot towards deep square leg for another double.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Flighted, full and on middle, Sanju Samson eases it towards long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Wrong'un, full and on middle, turns in, Sanju Samson clips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Smart cricket!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Sanju Samson gets into the act now! Tossed up, full and on off, in the slot as well, Samson gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the bowler's head for half a dozen more.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Darts one full and on middle and off, Sanju Samson stays back and knocks it back to the bowler.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Dragged back, on middle, Tilak Varma punches it down to long on for one.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, ! Into the crowd! Fires one full and on middle, angling in a bit, Tilak Varma goes down one knee and aboslutley nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a 80-metre biggie.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Flatter, full and on middle and leg, Sanju Samson chips it over mid-wicket for a single.

Spin in tandem now. Charith Asalanka is back on. He is 1-0-7-1 so far and he replaces Dushmantha Chameera.

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Quicker, short and around leg, Sanju Samson is already standing outside leg stump and heaves it towards deep square leg for a brace. Nelson on the board!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Flatter, full and on off, Sanju Samson opens the face of his bat and guides it towards point for one more. 9 runs off the over without taking any risks!

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Goes short and around off, Tilak Varma punches it through extra covers for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Flighted, full and on leg, Tilak Varma tucks it with soft hands towards the vacant square leg region and turns around for the second. Makes it comfortably in the end!

DRINKS! At the halfway mark, India are exactly 100/3. With the batting depth and power that they have, they will want to double this in the next ten. However, they have two relatively new batters in the crease who will just take a couple of overs before changing gears. Sri Lanka needs to use this phase to get a couple of cheap overs and make the batters try to do something out of the ordinary, which can create opportunities for them. The spinners will have a crucial role to play now and could

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sanju Samson drives it to long off for a single.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, No run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Sanju Samson, ! Great start after the break! A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Sanju Samson has all the time in the world to rock back and smacks it towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Dushmantha Chameera to Sanju Samson, 1 run.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Spears it full and onto the leg stump line, from around the stumps. Tilak Varma misses out on the flick shot and the ball thuds the front pad before rolling towards backward square leg for a leg bye.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, At 136.3 kph, good length, on the fifth stump line. Tilak Varma tries to nudge it to the leg side, but ends up knocking it straight to the bowler. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, ! Gloriously played! On a length, outside off. Tilak Varma presses forward and cracks it through extra cover and the ball bullets away to the fence!

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Back of a length, on off. Tilak Varma tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Dushmantha Chameera to Tilak Varma, Hard length, skidding off the surface, outside off. Tilak Varma waits back and dabs it to the point region for a single. 

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single. 

Charith Asalanka to Sanju Samson, Flat and outside off, cut away by Samson to deep point for a single. He gets off the mark!

Sanju Samson is the next man in.

Charith Asalanka to Abhishek Sharma, ! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! The Sri Lankan skipper provides a huge breakthrough for his side. Abhishek Sharma departs for a breezy 61 off just 31 deliveries. India are 92/3 down now.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, Spots Tilak dancing down the track, Charith darts it on a length, and drifts on middle. Tilak Varma jumps out of the crease and tries to work it across. Misses to connect and the ball grazes the thigh pad before running behind to the third man region for a leg bye.

Charith Asalanka to Tilak Varma, ! Through the gap! Full and on middle, flatter one. Tilak Varma makes room for himself and carves it away to deep extra cover, beating the dive of the long off fielder, to his right, for a cracking boundary.

Charith Asalanka to Abhishek Sharma, The Sri Lanka skipper is into the attack now. Charith Asalanka bowls a round-arm delivery from around the stumps. Follows the batter and darts it onto the leg stump line, on a length. Abhishek Sharma shimmies down the track and stays leg side. Punches it through cover for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Another short ball, slower one at 118.8 kph, on top of off. Abhishek Sharma pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for one more. 11 off Shanaka's first over. 15 runs from the last two overs for India. 

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Short and a bit outside off. Tilak Varma stands tall and drags it across with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Bangs it short and on the leg stump line. Abhishek Sharma waits back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one more. 

Dasun Shanaka to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, 1 run.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, Overthrows! Full from Shanaka, around off. Abhishek shimmies down the track and smashes it straight to mid off. Calls Varma through for a single and the southpaw responds well. Abhishek is at the danger end and has to hurry as the mid off fielder scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. However, Abhishek has dragged the bat inside in time. The ball deflects off the stumps and rolls to the leg side, allowing the batters pinch another run. So, two runs taken.

Dasun Shanaka to Tilak Varma, WIDE! Starts off with a loosener. Down leg on a fuller length, Tilak misses to flick. Wide called.

Double change.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Tilak Varma, Short and outside off. Tilak Varma hangs back and punches it down to the left of long off for a single. An excellent start for Wanindu Hasaranga. Just 4 runs from his first and a big wicket of SKY.

Tilak Varma comes out to the middle now.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, ! LBW! Wanindu Hasaranga makes his presence felt in his very first over as he fishes out the Indian skipper. Hasaranga dishes out a flighted delivery, on the middle stump line, on a fullish length. It lands and just spins away a shy bit from the pitch. Suryakumar Yadav premeditates the shot and goes for a sweep, but misses out on it. The ball passes close to the inside edge and hits his front pad. A very good confident shout for LBW, and up goes

Wanindu Hasaranga to Abhishek Sharma, Slower googly, at just 79.8 kph. Short and outside off. Abhishek Sharma hangs deep and cuts it to deep extra cover for a single.

The physio comes in running for a mandatory concussion check. SKY got hit on his helmet, but it was a soft blow and now he is good to go again.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Suryakumar Yadav, A googly, full and spinning back into the batter from middle. Suryakumar Yadav sits down on his knee and attempts to sweep shot, but he is very early into the shot and misses. The ball pops off the deck and hits his helmet grill.

A bit of relief for Sri Lanka as the field restrictions have been lifted now. However, they need to stop Abhishek Sharma or else this could get away from them in the blink of an eye. Here comes their most lethal weapon - Wanindu Hasaranga.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Abhishek Sharma, Dragged length, around off and turning in a bit. Abhishek Sharma rocks back and pulls it uppishly to the left of long on for a single.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Slams the deck hard on middle. Abhishek Sharma bunts it down the pitch.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, ! FIFTY FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA! Off just 22 deliveries! His third consecutive half century! Bangs it short into the pitch, on middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma weighs back and pulls it over wide square leg for a boundary. Another solid knock so far from him. He is looking very dangerous as his rich vein of form continues.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Excellent fielding! Abhishek Sharma didn't bother to run quickly as he thought it might run away to the fence. On a good length, on off. Abhishek Sharma shimmies down the track and lofts it over mid on. The ball lands in the long on region, before the ropes and just slows down. Charith Asalanka from the inner circle runs after it and flicks it into the playing area with a sharp dive. Two taken.

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, Slingy delivery, too full and on middle. Suryakumar Yadav shapes to flick that to the leg side, but gets a thick leading edge. The ball runs behind square on the off side for a single.

Change of ends for Nuwan Thushara.

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, MORE! 15 runs off Dushmantha Chameera's first over!

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, ! Good shot!

NEW BALLS, PLEASE! We are just 4.3 overs into the game, and it seems like the current ball has lost its shape already. And understandably so, as it has taken quite a beating and tour around the park. The fourth umpire comes out with the briefcase of replacement balls. Both the on-field umpires choose one of them and we are good to continue. 

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss! Dushmantha Chameera sees the batter back away, hits the length hard and on middle and off. Abhishek Sharma goes a bit too far away from the ball and slashes but fails to connect.

Dushmantha Chameera to Abhishek Sharma, ! Cracking shot! Fuller in length and around leg, takes pace off too, Abhishek Sharma quickly backs away to make room. He gets under it nicley and dispatches it with ease over the long off fence for a biggie. 50 up for India!

Dushmantha Chameera to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Dushmantha Chameera to Suryakumar Yadav, So close!

Chameera time? Certainly. Here's Dushmantha Chameera into the attack now, replacing Nuwan Thushara.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, Goes short and on middle, turns in, Suryakumar Yadav stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, ! Elegant stroke! Pushed through quicker, full and on off again, Suryakumar Yadav this time leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, Tossed up, full and on off, turns in, Suryakumar Yadav looks to drive it away but gets an inside ede onto the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, 2 runs.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, JUST SHORT! Short and around off, Abhishek Sharma tries to cut it away but hits it uppishly towards point. Charith Asalanka dives forward but the ball just drops in front of him.

Change?

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, No ball and Four!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 2 runs.

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, Slower one, full and on middle, Suryakumar Yadav knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Maheesh Theekshana has walked off the field. The catch he took to dismiss Gill might have stung him really hard and he is out to get a bit of treatment. We can see him apply the icepack to his left hand. 

Nuwan Thushara to Suryakumar Yadav, No run.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Fuller and on leg, shapes in, Abhishek Sharma fails to flick it away as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. The fielder dives to his left but lets it through and the batters gets a leg bye.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, ! Up and over!

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, Wide!

Maheesh Theekshana to Suryakumar Yadav, 1 run.

The Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is in at 3.

Maheesh Theekshana to Shubman Gill, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! That is a magnificent catch from Maheesh Theekshana! He flights it up, full and around off, sticks to the surface a bit. Shubman Gill goes for the drive but plays it early as the ball flies off he bottom half of the bat towards the bowler. Theekshana on his follow-through, flings himself to the left side and grabs it with his outstretched hand and more importantly, holds onto it when his hands hit the ground. Gill is left stunned

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, Misses out! A full toss, on middle, Abhishek Sharma backs away but mistimes his lofted shot towards mid off, where a misfield allows the single.

Maheesh Theekshana to Abhishek Sharma, ! BANG! Welcome to the game, Maheesh Theekshana! He begins with a floater, full and on leg, Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg away and absolutely smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. 

Who bowls from the other end? Pace or spin? Spin it will be. Here's Maheesh Theekshana into to the attack. 

Nuwan Thushara to Shubman Gill, ! Gets off the mark in style! Nuwan Thushara serves it much fuller this time, on middle, angling into the pads. Shubman Gill steps across and using his wrists, gently clips it away. He gets good timing on that one as the ball goes over mid-wicket and races to the fence for the first boundary of the game. 8 runs off the first over!

Nuwan Thushara to Shubman Gill, Just pulls his length back a bit around off, shaping away, Shubman Gill reaches out a bit and pushes it to short covers.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Good bowling! Nuwan Thushara bowls a good yorker now, on middle, swing in again, Abhishek Sharma gets his bat down in time as the ball goes off the inner half towards deep square leg. They cross.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Full again and on middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma takes a couple of steps forward and tucks it away but straight to short mid-wicket.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, Movement right away! Nuwan Thushara starts with a fuller delivery, on middle, shaping in sharply into the leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A shout for LBW, but turned down. Clearly going down the leg!

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, 2 runs.

Nuwan Thushara to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! India get underway with extras! Full again but swings a bit too much down the leg side, Abhishek Sharma fails to glance it away. Wided.

All the pre-match rituals are done as 'Sri Lanka Matha' and 'Jana Gana Mana' are sung. It is now game time here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Not a full house by any means, but still, a buzzing turnout in the stadium, with supporters of both sides turning up in nearly equal numbers. The Lankans spread out of the last-minute huddle and take their respective fielding positions. And interestingly, it is not Shubman Gill, but Tilak Varma, who walks out to open with Abhishek Sharma. Nu

We are just a few minutes away from the action to get underway. But before that, both sets of players and the match officials are getting lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first, followed by the Indian national anthem. 

The live visuals capture the entire Indian squad gathered in the middle, posing together for the commemorative photographs, before the start of the final Super Four clash of this edition of the Asia Cup.

India's TILAK VARMA is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. He mentions that he tries to finish games off. Highlights that it came at the right moment for him against Pakistan. On his batting position, he shares that he has batted at several positions over the last couple of years, so he is used to it. Shares that Gautam Gambhir, their head coach, has said that everyone should be flexible in the batting order, and says that as a batting unit, they are mentally ready for every position. Te

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull and Ravi Shastri are pitchside with their thoughts. Simon first begins by sharing that it is the same pitch that was used in the India vs Bangladesh game. Also highlights that the scores around 160-170 haven't been chased easily. Also adds that there has been some help for the spinners. Ravi joins and says it is a good opportunity for the batters to go out and get big runs. Reckons that the surface will remain good throughout as it has played out nicely so far. Stresse

Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper of India, says that they would have batted first anyway. Adds that they have been playing good cricket and just wants to stick to their plans. Mentions that dropping catches is a part of the game, but you have to want the ball to come to you to make a difference. Informs that Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube have been rested. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana comes in the team.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka, says they know that they cannot qualify for the final,  but they will treat this as a very important game. Looking at the track, he stresses that they will try to restrict them to 170-175. Mentions that the Lankan openers have been really consistent up top. Informs that they are going with one change for this game, as Janith Liyanage comes in for Chamika Karunaratne.

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Sanju Samson (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh (In place of Jasprit Bumrah), Harshit Rana (In place of Shivam Dube).

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage (In place of Chamika Karunaratne), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.

TOSS - Charith Asalanka calls it right and Sri Lanka have elected to BOWL first.