(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] As India clinched their eighth Asia Cup title on Sunday evening, it seems like the Men in Blue have checked almost all the boxes before heading towards the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, starting on 5th October.
India won by 10 wickets in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka. Mohammed Siraj made a quadruplet of strikes in his second over, dismissing four batters, becoming the first Indian to do so. Siraj ended the innings with six wickets, and Hardik Pandya also claimed three scalps.
India bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs. Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill chased down the target in just 6.1 overs.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar acknowledged this thumping victory of the Indian cricket team. He praised captain Rohit Sharma and reckoned that India could be the most dangerous team to beat in the upcoming World Cup.
“Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has improved. He and the team management have been making great decisions. I did not imagine India beating Sri Lanka in this manner. From here on, India could be the most dangerous side in the World Cup, but I am not writing anybody off because teams from the sub-continent are formidable,” said Akhtar on his own YouTube channel.
Further, Akhtar also applauded the gesture of Siraj, who donated his ‘Player of the Match’ prize money to the hardworking ground staff of the R. Premadasa Stadium. Moreover, he opined that India are all set and ready for the World Cup, having ticked all the boxes.
“Good job Siraj, you helped India win. And you did a great job by giving away your prize money to the ground staff. India will be going into the World Cup after boosting their confidence. India started as underdogs, but now I feel that it is not only a worry for Pakistan, but a worry for many other countries. India have announced their arrival in the World Cup because they have all the boxes ticked,” he added.
India is scheduled to play a three-match home ODI series against Australia starting on 22nd September, during which they will have one last chance to work on the loopholes before heading towards the marquee event.