India skipper Suryakumar Yadav mentioned the inconsequential Super 4 conflict towards Sri Lanka within the Asia Cup “felt like a final” and he had no hesitation in turning out to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Super Over, given his monitor document in stress conditions.
Arshdeep bowled a excellent nineteenth over in regulation play after which struck twice within the Super Over as Sri Lanka had been restricted to only two runs, which Suryakumar himself knocked off within the first ball to maintain India’s unbeaten run intact with six wins in as many matches.
“It felt like a final [laughs]. The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. Told them to play this like a semi-final. Get everyone close in, have good energy and then let’s see what happens. Good to be on the winning side,” he mentioned throughout the presentation.
“Arshdeep has been in that situation a lot of time and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back your own plans and not to think about anything. We are already in the finals, but have your own plans and execute it.”
“I have seen him execute his plans, do really well for India and his IPL franchise. His confidence says it all and no one but Arshdeep for that Super Over.”
The skipper additionally lauded the batting effort, which lifted India to 202 for 5 after being put in. Abhishek Sharma (61), Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (39) all made key contributions.
“To have that start, and then someone like Sanju and Tilak batting that way and taking the tempo ahead from where Abhishek left (cannot say from where I left it). Sanju not opening, going down the order, taking responsibility and Tilak taking confidence and responsibility, that was good to see.”
Talking about Sunday’s last towards Pakistan, Suryakumar mentioned: “Let’s have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. Few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow and we will turn up the same way we did today.
“What I needed from the boys, simply making an attempt to execute their plans, be clear and to not concern, that was actually essential and I’m positive everybody acquired what they needed. Happy to be within the last.”
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka admitted that the spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav changed the complexion of the chase, but remained upbeat about the team’s campaign.
“It was a fabulous sport, in fact. I believe we had been within the sport and we had been dealing with the sport fairly properly till Varun and Kuldeep bowled these very nice overs,” he said.
Pathum Nissanka, adjudged Player of the Match, cracked a 58-ball 107 while Kusal Perera scored 58 off 32 balls as Sri Lanka finished level at 202 before losing in the Super Over.
“It was unbelievable hitting (by Nissanka and Perera). They (India) acquired actually skilled bowlers however they (Nissanka and Perera) batted extraordinarily nicely,” he said.
“Lot of positives all through the Asia Cup. We have been taking part in good cricket however we couldn’t handle to win within the final two video games. As captain, lot of positives within the aspect.”
