IND vs SL: "Need To Take More Wickets Upfront" - Dasun Shanaka On Sri Lanka's Gameplan vs India In Asia Cup 2023 Final

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team skipper Dasun Shanaka has opened up on the gameplan of his team for the Asia Cup 2023 summit clash, saying that they need to pick up the wickets upfront and dismantle the Indian top order.

Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team and Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka National Cricket Team will lock horns with each other in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 17, at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Dasun Shanaka said that they are ready to participate in the Asia Cup final for the second consecutive year. He also said that they would be picking the playing XI based on the conditions on the given day.

“Of course we are ready,” a confident Shanaka said.

“Totally depends on the pitch. The pitches have been playing a big part in the tournament, so we have picked up sides accordingly. Bowling against India, we need to take more wickets upfront, and that will open up the game for us,” Shanaka said.

We are peaking at the right time – Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka further said that they are peaking at the perfect time and all the players are looking forward to playing for the country and winning the title.

“We are peaking at the right time. The boys want to deliver for the country. We have been the underdogs and everybody wants us to perform in the big tournaments. The young boys are trying to prove themselves,” Shanaka said about his team.

“Playing 2 finals in 2 years is special. I get messages from fans that ‘why are you giving us a heart attack’,” Shanaka said ahead of the final match against India.

During the Super Four clash between India and Sri Lanka, the Men In Blue emerged victorious in a competitive clash by 41 runs. Dunith Wellalage became the talk of the town after his performance in the match as he bagged a 5-wicket haul and top-scored for Sri Lanka to win the Player of the Match award. However, he didn’t get much support from others, and as a result, his side lost the match.