IND vs SL: Aakash Chopra Believes India Can Register A One-Sided Victory In Asia Cup 2023 Final If They Bat First

Updated - 17 Sep 2023, 02:58 PM

India National Cricket Team
India National Cricket Team (Image Credits: Twitter)

Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra is confident that the Rohit Sharma-led side will win the Asia Cup 2023 final if they bat first in Colombo. Akash Chopra emphasized that Indian bowlers can restrict Sri Lanka from chasing down the target in the summit clash.

The Men in Blue will lock horns with the Sri Lankan team, led by Dasun Shanka, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 17. India has won the Asia Cup title seven times, while Sri Lanka has lifted the trophy six times in the tournament’s history.

I Have Confidence In The Batters – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Shubman Gill has the ability to handle spin bowling on these pitches.

“If India bat first, I feel they will finish this match like one-way traffic. Whatever runs they make at the start, they won’t allow Sri Lanka to score them. I have the belief in the bowlers that they won’t allow them to score. I have confidence in the batters as well if they bat first,” Chopra said.

“Rohit Sharma likes Sri Lanka a lot and if India get to bat first, Rohit Sharma will be explosive. Shubman Gill will be there alongside him.

“The way Shubman Gill played spin in the last match, you can say he won’t have difficulties against these bowlers on these pitches. Although Dunith Wellalage troubled him once, he won’t be able to do it repeatedly.”

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill formed an 80-run opening partnership in just 11 overs against Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage. Danith Wellalage triggered a collapse by dismissing Gill with a brilliant delivery. Wellalage ended up with bowling figures of 5/40.

It Can Become A 60-40 Game – Aakash Chopra

The former Indian opener feels that Sri Lankan bowlers might impact the game if India bats second. However, Chopra emphasized that the game could still favour India by a 60-40 margin.

“The game can change a little if India bat second. Then Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage – all of them do well.

“If Sri Lanka bat first after winning the toss, there is no doubt that India will start as favorites, but it can become a 60-40 game, still in favor of India.”

“Sri Lanka do well when their top three do well, at least one or two of the top three. When Kusal Mendis played very well and Pathum Nissanka gave them a good start, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka managed it later.”

The two teams will be hoping to boost their confidence with a win in the final game ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played between October 5 and November 19.

Also read: IND vs SL: Aakash Chopra Believes Shubman Gill’s Knock Against Bangladesh ‘Was Better Than His Double Hundred’

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Aakash Chopra Asia Cup 2023 IND vs SL 2023 India National Cricket Team India vs Sri Lanka 2023 Rohit Sharma Shubman Gill