India captain Suryakumar Yadav remarked that the Asia Cup’s meaningless Super 4 match versus Sri Lanka “felt like a final” and that he had no qualms about selecting left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh for the Super Over, given his history of performing well under pressure.
Suryakumar himself knocked off the first ball to preserve India’s undefeated streak with six victories in a row after Arshdeep delivered a brilliant 19th over in regulation play and then struck twice in the Super Over, limiting Sri Lanka to only two runs.
“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 said during 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 captain also praised the batting effort, which after being put in, helped India reach 202 for five. Key contributions were made by Abhishek Sharma (61), Tilak Varma (49 not out), and Sanju Samson (39).
“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.”
Regarding the final versus Pakistan on Sunday, Suryakumar stated: “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 wanted from the boys, just trying to execute their plans, be clear and not to fear, that was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final.”
Though he remained optimistic about the team’s effort, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged that the spin combination of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav altered the nature of the chase.
“It was a fabulous game, of course. I think we were in the game and we were handling the game pretty nicely until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those really nice overs,” he said.
Kusal Perera struck 58 off 32 balls and Pathum Nissanka, who was named Player of the Match, hit 107 off 58 balls as Sri Lanka finished level at 202 before losing in the Super Over.
“It was unbelievable hitting (by Nissanka and Perera). They (India) got really experienced bowlers but they (Nissanka and Perera) batted extremely well,” he said.
“Lot of positives throughout the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket but we could not manage to win in the last two games. As captain, lot of positives in the side.”
