India secured their place in the Asia Cup final after registering a convincing 41-run win over Bangladesh in Dubai, maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament and eliminating Sri Lanka from contention.

The defending champions now sit comfortably atop the Super Fours table with four points, two clear of their nearest rivals. With Sri Lanka losing both of their opening matches in this stage, they are no longer in the race for the final. 

The outcome of Thursday’s penultimate Super Fours clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh — both on two points — will determine India’s opponent in the title decider.

India’s charge was led by opener Abhishek Sharma, who struck his second consecutive half-century to give his side a powerful start. 

The left-hander blazed 46 off just 19 deliveries during the powerplay and went on to score 75 from 37 balls, laced with six boundaries and five sixes. 

His innings came to an end via a run-out in the 12th over, sparking a brief collapse as India lost three wickets for 17 runs in 3.3 overs.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya then steadied the innings with a composed 38 off 29 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 168 for seven.

In response, Bangladesh’s chase hinged on opener Saif Hassan, who played a lone hand with a fluent 69 from 51 balls, including five sixes. However, he received little support from the rest of the line-up, with Parvez Hossain Emon (21) the only other batter to reach double digits.

India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav leading the attack with figures of 3-18. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy claimed two wickets apiece as Bangladesh were bowled out for 127 in the final over.

India’s clinical victory ensured their place in the final and left the rest of the field scrambling for the remaining spot.

Source: BBC

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