Cricket Scorecard

Welcome back for India's reply.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, we thought after a delayed start due to rain we would get to see some good cricket by both teams but it ended up being a very short first innings, with India bowling Sri Lanka out for 50 runs in 15.2 overs. Shocking right? It was a day to remember for the pacers as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya made sure they took all the 10 wickets. The target for India is 51 runs and they have 50 overs to get to it. The required run rate is just over 1. Grab a cup of coffee

The man of the moment, Mohammed Siraj, is in for a chat. He says that this feels like a dream. Mentions that he had a similar start against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum. Shares that he tried to keep it simple and looked to execute his lines and lengths. States that his intention was to make the batter play and draw him forward. Adds that he tries to swing the ball in white-ball cricket.

There is nothing but praise for the Indian bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over itself dismissing Kusal Perera for a duck. Mohammed Siraj took things into his hands in his 3rd over back and took 4 wickets. After that there was no recovery by the Lankans and the Indian bowlers were all over them. Mohammed Siraj completed his fifer by bowling over Dasun Shanaka, the opposition skipper followed by the wicket of Kusal Mendis in the same way. After that, it was Hardik Pandya w

Honestly, not much to say about the batting of Sri Lanka. They were put on the back foot in the first over itself as Kusal Perera was dismissed for a duck. After that, they never seemed to be in control of the game at any point. The 4th over which was bowled by Mohammed Siraj bruised the Lankans badly as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva in the same over. 4-wickets in one over was a lot to recover from as by that time the Lankans w

Unbelievable from India! Mohammed Siraj leads his team back to the pavilion after his 6-wicket haul. The pacers had a good outing as they cleaned Sri Lanka up for 50 runs and just over 15 overs in the Asia Cup final 2023. Siraj destroyed the Lankan top order single-handedly and he looked on a different level today.

Hardik Pandya to Matheesha Pathirana, ! CAUGHT! Done and dusted in a flash! Hardik Pandya bowls this one back of a length around off. Matheesha Pathirana stays back and pushes tentatively at it. The ball goes off the outer half to the left of point where Ishan Kishan takes a good catch. Pathirana departs the first ball and Pandya ends up with three wickets. Sri Lanka have been bundled out for a meager total of 50!

Matheesha Pathirana is the last man in. 

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Hardik Pandya gets his second wicket and Sri Lanka are now 9 down.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, Flighted delivery, on a length and around middle, Dushan Hemantha stays back to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, A touch shorter, turning into middle and leg, Dushan Hemantha uses the depth of the crease to nudge it onto the leg side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, Tossed up, fuller this time and on middle, Dushan Hemantha pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Pramod Madushan, 1 run.

First look at spin as Kuldeep Yadav is brought into the attack. 

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Full and wide outside off, inviting the drive. Dushan Hemantha does go after it but is beaten past the outside edge.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Banged in on a hard length over middle, Dushan Hemantha hops back to keep it down on the deck.

Mohammed Siraj to Pramod Madushan, Leg bye! A touch fuller and on the pads, Pramod Madushan misses the ball and the ball deflects off the pads past square leg. They get a leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Oh, no! The bowler won't be pleased about that. Full this time and angling back into the stumps, Dushan Hemantha looks to take it on but gets an inside edge past the stumps down to fine leg. the batters take to and it is Virat Kohli who collects the throw at the keeper's end and has an unnecessary shy at the bowler's end. There's no one backing up and the ball runs away to the fence for four extra runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Full again onto the stumps, pushed away through the cover region for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, That one came back a long way! Goes wider of the crease and bowls it on a good length wide of off, the ball pitches and just keeps coming back in. Dushan Hemantha looks to play at it but is beaten on the inside edge.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, WIDE! On a good length and just sliding it down the leg side, wide called.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Ouch, Pramod Madushan has been hit flush on the helmet! Another attempted bouncer from Hardik Pandya, bowled on off and angling it in. Madushan sits down to duck but the ball just skids on instead of bouncing and hits the sticker of the helmet.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Fullish delivery on off stump, Pramod Madushan opens up the off side and hits it straight to extra cover.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Hits the length hard and angles it onto middle, Pramod Madushan stays back and blocks it on the leg side.

Pramod Madushan comes in at number 10. 

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, ! CAUGHT! A well-directed bouncer from Hardik Pandya and he now gets into the wicket-taking act.

Hardik Pandya to Dushan Hemantha, Fuller and around off, just eased through the cover region for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Dushan Hemantha, Pitched up on the middle stump, Dushan Hemantha pushes it out to mid on.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Length ball, a fair bit outside off, Dushan Hemantha looks to punch it away but gets it off the outer half down to third man for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, ! Oh, that is a fine shot! 

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Goes full and straight now, Dushan Hemantha manages to keep it out.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, WIDE! Full and angling well down the leg side, Dushan Hemantha misses the flick and a wide is called.

Dushan Hemantha walks out now. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, ! TIMBER! Mohammed Siraj has his sixth wicket of the game!

Change? No, Mohammed Siraj will have one more over.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Swing and a miss! Hard length around off, swinging away. Kusal Mendis has a wild swing across the line and his feet go nowhere as he misses the ball completely.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, 2 runs.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller one around off and middle, angling away, Dunith Wellalage stays back and gets squared up before the ball hits the pads. Half an appeal for LBW but the impact seems outside off.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, hard length, angling across the left-hander, Dunith Wellalage hangs back and dabs it down toward backward point.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Length ball on off stump, Dunith Wellalage stays put and defends it under his eyes.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Pitches this one up around the off stump, Dunith Wellalage solidly defends it toward cover.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Pandya starts right on the money! Bowls it on a hard length right around the top of off and going away. Dunith Wellalage plays inside the line of the ball.

Time for Powerplay 2! India can now have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on off. Kusal Mendis defends it off his front door as the ball rolls away towards cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Short and outside off. Kusal Mendis leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and over middle. Kusal Mendis catches an outside edge onto his pads.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Full again and outside off. Dunith Wellalage drives it to cover for a single to get to the other end.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and just outside off. This one kept low and missed the off stump as Dunith Wellalage left it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, On length and on pads. Dunith Wellalage flicks it away towards mid-wicket for a single to end the over. A good over for Sri Lanka.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on the stumps. Kusal Mendis blocks it to the off side for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, AGAIN! Jasprit Bumrah with a length delivery on off. Kusal Mendis is lucky to have caught the outside edge which didn't carry to the fielder at slip. The ball rolls away wide of slip all the way to the third man fence for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again on leg. Kusal Mendis has blocked it solidly.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, ! What a shot! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this short and wide outside off. Kusal Mendis gets on top of the bounce and cuts it over point and all the way to the fence for four runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full and straight on middle. Kusal Mendis drives it wide of mid off. The fielder there makes a good stop and the ball rolls away towards long on. The fielder stops it as the batters run two.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage backs out from the shot and lets the ball go to the keeper. Another good over from Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Full again and on middle and leg. Dunith Wellalage flicks it away to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the hard length over off. Dunith Wellalage tries to cut it close to his body but is beaten by the bounce.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the good length gain outside off. Dunith Wellalage doesn't want to play this one as the ball travels to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage is left surprised by the excessive bounce. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on the pads. Kusal Mendis flicks it over the infield towards deep square leg for one to begin the over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, A bouncer outside off from around the wicket to end the over. Dunith Wellalage doesn't offer any shot as he watches it go to the keeper.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Shorter and on the thigh pads. The ball rolls away towards fine leg after deflecting off Kusal Mendis's pads. The batters take a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and angling on the pads. Kusal Mendis pats it to the fielder at mid-wicket. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again and straight on off. Kusal Mendis blocks it solidly.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller and on the pads from Jasprit Bumrah. Dunith Wellalage just nudges it towards deep square leg. The fielder has a long chase and manages to stop the ball. The batters have run three.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, Full and outside off. Dunith Wellalage opts not to play this one as it carries to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller and on off just swinging in on the left-hander. Dunith Wellalage drives it to mid off with good timing for a single to get off the mark. Another good over from Mohammed Siraj.

Dunith Wellalage is the new batter. 

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the hard length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage doesn't offer a shot for this one.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, ! b Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, On length and outside off. Dasun Shanaka threw his bat at it but couldn't quite connect. Beaten again!

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, JAFFA! Another full ball by Mohammed Siraj swinging away from off. Dasun Shanaka tries to drive it but is beaten again.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, Beaten! Mohammed Siraj bowls this fuller and swinging away just outside off. Dasun Shanaka tries to block it but is beaten by the swing as the ball just goes past the outside edge. Mohammed Siraj is pumped up as he appeals.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full and quick on off. Kusal Mendis edges it to the fielder at point. A maiden over for Jasprit Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On a good length and way outside off swinging back in. Kusal Mendis doesn't offer a shot for this one. Five dots in a row in this over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller, and an outswinger this time outside off. Kusal Mendis drives it to the fielder at cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again and angling down leg. Kusal Mendis misses his flick as the ball hits his pads.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, No run.

Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka walks out to bat with his side in dire straits. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Short and straight over middle. Kusal Mendis blocks it solidly down the ground.

Mohammed Siraj to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! c KL Rahul b Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! On a hat trick ball! What a way to get off the mark. Mohammed Siraj bowls this on the hard length and over middle. Dhananjaya de Silva has just driven it towards mid on. The field is set on the off side and the area near long on is left vacant. Mohammed Siraj has a long run towards the fence to stop the ball but fails to do it.  A much-needed boundary for Sri Lanka.

Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in and will face the hat-trick ball. 

Mohammed Siraj to Charith Asalanka, ! c Ishan Kishan b Mohammed Siraj.

Charith Asalanka walks in now with Sri Lanka reeling at 8-3.

Mohammed Siraj to Sadeera Samarawickrama, ! LBW! Mohammed Siraj strikes again in the same over. This one was fuller and in line with the stumps with some outswing. Sadeera Samarawickrama is beaten as he tries to play it with a straight bat. The ball hits his pads and the players appeal. The umpire straight away raises his finger. Sadeera Samarawickrama has decided to review it. The big screen shows a clear gap between the bat and ball and the ball tracking confirms the wicket with thr

Mohammed Siraj to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Short and outside off with a hint of outswing. Sadeera Samarawickrama doesn't offer a shot for this one.

Sadeera Samarawickrama walks out to the centre. 

Mohammed Siraj to Pathum Nissanka, ! CAUGHT! What a catch! India are off to a solid start in the final! Mohammed Siraj bowls it on the hard length and swings away from off. Pathum Nissanka slices it as the ball is lofted towards backward point. The fielder there is Ravindra Jadeja who has shown excellent reflexes diving to his right and taking a stunning low catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka. Sri Lanka are 2-wickets down now.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length swinging away from outside off. Kusal Mendis shoulders arms and lets the keeper collect the ball. Another good over from Jasprit Bumrah giving away just a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Short and swinging in onto the pads. Kusal Mendis had no idea how to play it as the ball hit his thigh pads.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and straight on off. Kusal Mendis slices it towards Ravindra Jadeja at backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On a very good length again swinging away from off. Kusal Mendis is again left confused by the swing.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On length and nipping away outside off. Kusal Mendis tries to play it safe but misses the connection.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller and straighter on leg. Pathum Nissanka pats it to square leg and sets off for a quick single.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, A maiden over from Mohammed Siraj. He bowls this one fuller and just outside off with a hint of outswing. Kusal Mendis is again beaten as he looks to play a defensive shot.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and nipping away just outside off. Kusal Mendis looks to block it but is beaten again. Mohammad Siraj is unplayable out in the middle.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Shorter now and straight outside off. Kusal Mendis tries to block it but is beaten by the bounce. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the good length and swinging away outside off. Kusal Mendis doesn't offer a shot this time and lets it go to the keeper. Three dots in a row.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Beaten! Fuller now from Mohammed Siraj  and another outswinger outside off. Kusal Mendis looks for the drive but is beaten by the swing.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On length and nipping away from off. Kusal Mendis shoulders arms and lets the ball carry to the keeper.

It will be Mohammed Siraj to steam in from the other end.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, On the good length and over middle. Pathum Nissanka has blocked it down the ground. A very eventful first over comes to an end.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Shorter now and swinging away outside off. Kusal Mendis leaves it alone as the ball is away from the tram line. The umpire signals a wide.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, ! What a way to get off the mark! Jasprit Bumrah has erred his length as he bowls a juice full toss outside off. Kusal Mendis drives it with good timing through cover. The ball runs away to the fence for the first boundary of the match. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Perera, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah has struck in the first over. Kusal Perera has been dismissed for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah bowls this on a very good length and another outswinger. Kusal Perera reaches for the ball this time but with no foot movement. The ball nicks the outside edge and goes towards the fielder at slip. It is the keeper, KL Rahul with the catch as he dives to his left. Brilliant bowling from Jasprit Bumrah as he gives India their first

Kusal Mendis comes in at number 3.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, Jasprit Bumrah bowls this full and straight on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka manages an outer edge and is off the mark right away as the ball rolls away to third man for a single to begin the match. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Perera, On the hard length from Jasprit Bumrah now and swinging away from outside off. Kuldeep Yadav tries to block it but is beaten by the swing.

All in readiness for the grand final to begin as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Indian players are in a huddle near the ropes before they disperse. They are followed by the two openers of Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Jasprit Bumrah has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for India. Off we go...

UPDATE - 3.26 pm IST (9.56 am GMT) - We have a start time, folks! The final of the 2023 Asia Cup will commence at 3.40 pm IST (10.10 am GMT) with no overs lost. The Indian players are already out there, going through the fielding drills. With skies still overcast, the Sri Lankan openers have a stern test ahead of facing the new ball in testing conditions. 

UPDATE - 3.13 pm IST (9.43 am GMT) - As we had hoped, it was indeed a passing shower but the majority of the covers are still on. Live visuals show the match officials having a discussion the one of the members of the ground staff. Huge cheers from the crowd as the rest of the covers begin to come off now. More promising signs as there will be an inspection at 3.30 pm IST (10.00 am GMT) with a possible start at 3.45 pm IST (10.15 am GMT). We will keep you posted. 

UPDATE - 2.54 pm IST (9.24 am GMT) - Uh oh! Not the best of starts to the final, as a light drizzle has forced the ground staff to bring the covers on. It had gotten overcast after the toss, and we had the ground staff lurking near the covers in anticipation of the rain. More covers are being brought on to cover the entire ground but let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates. 

India's Head coach, Rahul Dravid, is in for a chat. He says that he is worried about the weather but says that the pitch looks great. Expects a good game of cricket today. Mentions that he was impressed by the effort against Sri Lanka and to clinch a win owing to an all-round performance. He adds that whichever team plays good cricket is at the advantage and says that Sri Lanka has the home conditions as well and hopes his players play well under pressure. He reckons that injuries can cost yo

India's skipper Rohit Sharma says that he would have batted first as well as it looks like a dry pitch. He adds that they will be confident for the chase and it is a good opportunity to be aggressive with the ball and try to exploit the conditions. He mentions that last game they came close to the target and on the pitch anything over 230 is a good score. Mentions that their aim will be to restrict the opposition to a low score. He appreciates the crowd for their support towards both teams an

Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they will bat first. Adds that the surface looks good and there might be some turn in the afternoon as well. On the crowd support, he says that the support has been phenomenal. Mentions that the youngsters have done really well for them and reckons that the current squad is a competitive one and the team is looking forward to the World Cup. Ends by informing that they have just a single change, with Dushan Hemantha coming in for Maheesh Theeksha

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha (In for Maheesh Theekshana), Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - Dasun Shanaka calls "heads" and heads it is. Sri Lanka have opted to BAT first.

Welcome back for India's reply.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, we thought after a delayed start due to rain we would get to see some good cricket by both teams but it ended up being a very short first innings, with India bowling Sri Lanka out for 50 runs in 15.2 overs. Shocking right? It was a day to remember for the pacers as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya made sure they took all the 10 wickets. The target for India is 51 runs and they have 50 overs to get to it. The required run rate is just over 1. Grab a cup of coffee

The man of the moment, Mohammed Siraj, is in for a chat. He says that this feels like a dream. Mentions that he had a similar start against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum. Shares that he tried to keep it simple and looked to execute his lines and lengths. States that his intention was to make the batter play and draw him forward. Adds that he tries to swing the ball in white-ball cricket.

There is nothing but praise for the Indian bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the first over itself dismissing Kusal Perera for a duck. Mohammed Siraj took things into his hands in his 3rd over back and took 4 wickets. After that there was no recovery by the Lankans and the Indian bowlers were all over them. Mohammed Siraj completed his fifer by bowling over Dasun Shanaka, the opposition skipper followed by the wicket of Kusal Mendis in the same way. After that, it was Hardik Pandya w

Honestly, not much to say about the batting of Sri Lanka. They were put on the back foot in the first over itself as Kusal Perera was dismissed for a duck. After that, they never seemed to be in control of the game at any point. The 4th over which was bowled by Mohammed Siraj bruised the Lankans badly as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva in the same over. 4-wickets in one over was a lot to recover from as by that time the Lankans w

Unbelievable from India! Mohammed Siraj leads his team back to the pavilion after his 6-wicket haul. The pacers had a good outing as they cleaned Sri Lanka up for 50 runs and just over 15 overs in the Asia Cup final 2023. Siraj destroyed the Lankan top order single-handedly and he looked on a different level today.

Hardik Pandya to Matheesha Pathirana, ! CAUGHT! Done and dusted in a flash! Hardik Pandya bowls this one back of a length around off. Matheesha Pathirana stays back and pushes tentatively at it. The ball goes off the outer half to the left of point where Ishan Kishan takes a good catch. Pathirana departs the first ball and Pandya ends up with three wickets. Sri Lanka have been bundled out for a meager total of 50!

Matheesha Pathirana is the last man in. 

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, ! EDGED AND TAKEN! Hardik Pandya gets his second wicket and Sri Lanka are now 9 down.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, Flighted delivery, on a length and around middle, Dushan Hemantha stays back to defend.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, A touch shorter, turning into middle and leg, Dushan Hemantha uses the depth of the crease to nudge it onto the leg side.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, Tossed up, fuller this time and on middle, Dushan Hemantha pushes it to the left of the bowler.

Kuldeep Yadav to Dushan Hemantha, No run.

Kuldeep Yadav to Pramod Madushan, 1 run.

First look at spin as Kuldeep Yadav is brought into the attack. 

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Full and wide outside off, inviting the drive. Dushan Hemantha does go after it but is beaten past the outside edge.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Banged in on a hard length over middle, Dushan Hemantha hops back to keep it down on the deck.

Mohammed Siraj to Pramod Madushan, Leg bye! A touch fuller and on the pads, Pramod Madushan misses the ball and the ball deflects off the pads past square leg. They get a leg bye.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Oh, no! The bowler won't be pleased about that. Full this time and angling back into the stumps, Dushan Hemantha looks to take it on but gets an inside edge past the stumps down to fine leg. the batters take to and it is Virat Kohli who collects the throw at the keeper's end and has an unnecessary shy at the bowler's end. There's no one backing up and the ball runs away to the fence for four extra runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Full again onto the stumps, pushed away through the cover region for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, That one came back a long way! Goes wider of the crease and bowls it on a good length wide of off, the ball pitches and just keeps coming back in. Dushan Hemantha looks to play at it but is beaten on the inside edge.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, WIDE! On a good length and just sliding it down the leg side, wide called.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Ouch, Pramod Madushan has been hit flush on the helmet! Another attempted bouncer from Hardik Pandya, bowled on off and angling it in. Madushan sits down to duck but the ball just skids on instead of bouncing and hits the sticker of the helmet.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Fullish delivery on off stump, Pramod Madushan opens up the off side and hits it straight to extra cover.

Hardik Pandya to Pramod Madushan, Hits the length hard and angles it onto middle, Pramod Madushan stays back and blocks it on the leg side.

Pramod Madushan comes in at number 10. 

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, ! CAUGHT! A well-directed bouncer from Hardik Pandya and he now gets into the wicket-taking act.

Hardik Pandya to Dushan Hemantha, Fuller and around off, just eased through the cover region for a single.

Hardik Pandya to Dushan Hemantha, Pitched up on the middle stump, Dushan Hemantha pushes it out to mid on.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Length ball, a fair bit outside off, Dushan Hemantha looks to punch it away but gets it off the outer half down to third man for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, ! Oh, that is a fine shot! 

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, Goes full and straight now, Dushan Hemantha manages to keep it out.

Mohammed Siraj to Dushan Hemantha, WIDE! Full and angling well down the leg side, Dushan Hemantha misses the flick and a wide is called.

Dushan Hemantha walks out now. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, ! TIMBER! Mohammed Siraj has his sixth wicket of the game!

Change? No, Mohammed Siraj will have one more over.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Swing and a miss! Hard length around off, swinging away. Kusal Mendis has a wild swing across the line and his feet go nowhere as he misses the ball completely.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, 2 runs.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller one around off and middle, angling away, Dunith Wellalage stays back and gets squared up before the ball hits the pads. Half an appeal for LBW but the impact seems outside off.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, hard length, angling across the left-hander, Dunith Wellalage hangs back and dabs it down toward backward point.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Length ball on off stump, Dunith Wellalage stays put and defends it under his eyes.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Pitches this one up around the off stump, Dunith Wellalage solidly defends it toward cover.

Hardik Pandya to Dunith Wellalage, Pandya starts right on the money! Bowls it on a hard length right around the top of off and going away. Dunith Wellalage plays inside the line of the ball.

Time for Powerplay 2! India can now have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on off. Kusal Mendis defends it off his front door as the ball rolls away towards cover.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Short and outside off. Kusal Mendis leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, No run.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and over middle. Kusal Mendis catches an outside edge onto his pads.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Full again and outside off. Dunith Wellalage drives it to cover for a single to get to the other end.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and just outside off. This one kept low and missed the off stump as Dunith Wellalage left it alone.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, On length and on pads. Dunith Wellalage flicks it away towards mid-wicket for a single to end the over. A good over for Sri Lanka.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on the stumps. Kusal Mendis blocks it to the off side for a quick single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, AGAIN! Jasprit Bumrah with a length delivery on off. Kusal Mendis is lucky to have caught the outside edge which didn't carry to the fielder at slip. The ball rolls away wide of slip all the way to the third man fence for a boundary.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again on leg. Kusal Mendis has blocked it solidly.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, ! What a shot! Jasprit Bumrah bowls this short and wide outside off. Kusal Mendis gets on top of the bounce and cuts it over point and all the way to the fence for four runs.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full and straight on middle. Kusal Mendis drives it wide of mid off. The fielder there makes a good stop and the ball rolls away towards long on. The fielder stops it as the batters run two.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage backs out from the shot and lets the ball go to the keeper. Another good over from Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Full again and on middle and leg. Dunith Wellalage flicks it away to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the hard length over off. Dunith Wellalage tries to cut it close to his body but is beaten by the bounce.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the good length gain outside off. Dunith Wellalage doesn't want to play this one as the ball travels to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage is left surprised by the excessive bounce. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and on the pads. Kusal Mendis flicks it over the infield towards deep square leg for one to begin the over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, A bouncer outside off from around the wicket to end the over. Dunith Wellalage doesn't offer any shot as he watches it go to the keeper.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Shorter and on the thigh pads. The ball rolls away towards fine leg after deflecting off Kusal Mendis's pads. The batters take a single.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and angling on the pads. Kusal Mendis pats it to the fielder at mid-wicket. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again and straight on off. Kusal Mendis blocks it solidly.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller and on the pads from Jasprit Bumrah. Dunith Wellalage just nudges it towards deep square leg. The fielder has a long chase and manages to stop the ball. The batters have run three.

Jasprit Bumrah to Dunith Wellalage, Full and outside off. Dunith Wellalage opts not to play this one as it carries to the keeper.

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, Fuller and on off just swinging in on the left-hander. Dunith Wellalage drives it to mid off with good timing for a single to get off the mark. Another good over from Mohammed Siraj.

Dunith Wellalage is the new batter. 

Mohammed Siraj to Dunith Wellalage, On the hard length and outside off. Dunith Wellalage doesn't offer a shot for this one.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, ! b Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, On length and outside off. Dasun Shanaka threw his bat at it but couldn't quite connect. Beaten again!

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, JAFFA! Another full ball by Mohammed Siraj swinging away from off. Dasun Shanaka tries to drive it but is beaten again.

Mohammed Siraj to Dasun Shanaka, Beaten! Mohammed Siraj bowls this fuller and swinging away just outside off. Dasun Shanaka tries to block it but is beaten by the swing as the ball just goes past the outside edge. Mohammed Siraj is pumped up as he appeals.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full and quick on off. Kusal Mendis edges it to the fielder at point. A maiden over for Jasprit Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On a good length and way outside off swinging back in. Kusal Mendis doesn't offer a shot for this one. Five dots in a row in this over.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller, and an outswinger this time outside off. Kusal Mendis drives it to the fielder at cover.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Full again and angling down leg. Kusal Mendis misses his flick as the ball hits his pads.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, No run.

Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka walks out to bat with his side in dire straits. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Short and straight over middle. Kusal Mendis blocks it solidly down the ground.

Mohammed Siraj to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! c KL Rahul b Mohammed Siraj.

Mohammed Siraj to Dhananjaya de Silva, ! On a hat trick ball! What a way to get off the mark. Mohammed Siraj bowls this on the hard length and over middle. Dhananjaya de Silva has just driven it towards mid on. The field is set on the off side and the area near long on is left vacant. Mohammed Siraj has a long run towards the fence to stop the ball but fails to do it.  A much-needed boundary for Sri Lanka.

Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in and will face the hat-trick ball. 

Mohammed Siraj to Charith Asalanka, ! c Ishan Kishan b Mohammed Siraj.

Charith Asalanka walks in now with Sri Lanka reeling at 8-3.

Mohammed Siraj to Sadeera Samarawickrama, ! LBW! Mohammed Siraj strikes again in the same over. This one was fuller and in line with the stumps with some outswing. Sadeera Samarawickrama is beaten as he tries to play it with a straight bat. The ball hits his pads and the players appeal. The umpire straight away raises his finger. Sadeera Samarawickrama has decided to review it. The big screen shows a clear gap between the bat and ball and the ball tracking confirms the wicket with thr

Mohammed Siraj to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Short and outside off with a hint of outswing. Sadeera Samarawickrama doesn't offer a shot for this one.

Sadeera Samarawickrama walks out to the centre. 

Mohammed Siraj to Pathum Nissanka, ! CAUGHT! What a catch! India are off to a solid start in the final! Mohammed Siraj bowls it on the hard length and swings away from off. Pathum Nissanka slices it as the ball is lofted towards backward point. The fielder there is Ravindra Jadeja who has shown excellent reflexes diving to his right and taking a stunning low catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka. Sri Lanka are 2-wickets down now.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length swinging away from outside off. Kusal Mendis shoulders arms and lets the keeper collect the ball. Another good over from Jasprit Bumrah giving away just a run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Short and swinging in onto the pads. Kusal Mendis had no idea how to play it as the ball hit his thigh pads.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Fuller and straight on off. Kusal Mendis slices it towards Ravindra Jadeja at backward point.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On a very good length again swinging away from off. Kusal Mendis is again left confused by the swing.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, On length and nipping away outside off. Kusal Mendis tries to play it safe but misses the connection.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller and straighter on leg. Pathum Nissanka pats it to square leg and sets off for a quick single.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, A maiden over from Mohammed Siraj. He bowls this one fuller and just outside off with a hint of outswing. Kusal Mendis is again beaten as he looks to play a defensive shot.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the hard length and nipping away just outside off. Kusal Mendis looks to block it but is beaten again. Mohammad Siraj is unplayable out in the middle.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Shorter now and straight outside off. Kusal Mendis tries to block it but is beaten by the bounce. 

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On the good length and swinging away outside off. Kusal Mendis doesn't offer a shot this time and lets it go to the keeper. Three dots in a row.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, Beaten! Fuller now from Mohammed Siraj  and another outswinger outside off. Kusal Mendis looks for the drive but is beaten by the swing.

Mohammed Siraj to Kusal Mendis, On length and nipping away from off. Kusal Mendis shoulders arms and lets the ball carry to the keeper.

It will be Mohammed Siraj to steam in from the other end.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, On the good length and over middle. Pathum Nissanka has blocked it down the ground. A very eventful first over comes to an end.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, 1 run.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, Shorter now and swinging away outside off. Kusal Mendis leaves it alone as the ball is away from the tram line. The umpire signals a wide.

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Mendis, ! What a way to get off the mark! Jasprit Bumrah has erred his length as he bowls a juice full toss outside off. Kusal Mendis drives it with good timing through cover. The ball runs away to the fence for the first boundary of the match. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Perera, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jasprit Bumrah has struck in the first over. Kusal Perera has been dismissed for a duck. Jasprit Bumrah bowls this on a very good length and another outswinger. Kusal Perera reaches for the ball this time but with no foot movement. The ball nicks the outside edge and goes towards the fielder at slip. It is the keeper, KL Rahul with the catch as he dives to his left. Brilliant bowling from Jasprit Bumrah as he gives India their first

Kusal Mendis comes in at number 3.

Jasprit Bumrah to Pathum Nissanka, Jasprit Bumrah bowls this full and straight on the stumps. Pathum Nissanka manages an outer edge and is off the mark right away as the ball rolls away to third man for a single to begin the match. 

Jasprit Bumrah to Kusal Perera, On the hard length from Jasprit Bumrah now and swinging away from outside off. Kuldeep Yadav tries to block it but is beaten by the swing.

All in readiness for the grand final to begin as the two umpires make their way out to the middle. The Indian players are in a huddle near the ropes before they disperse. They are followed by the two openers of Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Jasprit Bumrah has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings for India. Off we go...

UPDATE - 3.26 pm IST (9.56 am GMT) - We have a start time, folks! The final of the 2023 Asia Cup will commence at 3.40 pm IST (10.10 am GMT) with no overs lost. The Indian players are already out there, going through the fielding drills. With skies still overcast, the Sri Lankan openers have a stern test ahead of facing the new ball in testing conditions. 

UPDATE - 3.13 pm IST (9.43 am GMT) - As we had hoped, it was indeed a passing shower but the majority of the covers are still on. Live visuals show the match officials having a discussion the one of the members of the ground staff. Huge cheers from the crowd as the rest of the covers begin to come off now. More promising signs as there will be an inspection at 3.30 pm IST (10.00 am GMT) with a possible start at 3.45 pm IST (10.15 am GMT). We will keep you posted. 

UPDATE - 2.54 pm IST (9.24 am GMT) - Uh oh! Not the best of starts to the final, as a light drizzle has forced the ground staff to bring the covers on. It had gotten overcast after the toss, and we had the ground staff lurking near the covers in anticipation of the rain. More covers are being brought on to cover the entire ground but let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates. 

India's Head coach, Rahul Dravid, is in for a chat. He says that he is worried about the weather but says that the pitch looks great. Expects a good game of cricket today. Mentions that he was impressed by the effort against Sri Lanka and to clinch a win owing to an all-round performance. He adds that whichever team plays good cricket is at the advantage and says that Sri Lanka has the home conditions as well and hopes his players play well under pressure. He reckons that injuries can cost yo

India's skipper Rohit Sharma says that he would have batted first as well as it looks like a dry pitch. He adds that they will be confident for the chase and it is a good opportunity to be aggressive with the ball and try to exploit the conditions. He mentions that last game they came close to the target and on the pitch anything over 230 is a good score. Mentions that their aim will be to restrict the opposition to a low score. He appreciates the crowd for their support towards both teams an

Dasun Shanaka, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they will bat first. Adds that the surface looks good and there might be some turn in the afternoon as well. On the crowd support, he says that the support has been phenomenal. Mentions that the youngsters have done really well for them and reckons that the current squad is a competitive one and the team is looking forward to the World Cup. Ends by informing that they have just a single change, with Dushan Hemantha coming in for Maheesh Theeksha

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha (In for Maheesh Theekshana), Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

TOSS - Dasun Shanaka calls "heads" and heads it is. Sri Lanka have opted to BAT first.