DHAKA // India are in danger of going into their home World Twenty20 later this month undercooked, as they continue to breeze their way through the Asia Cup with a minimum of toil.
Virat Kohli extended his remarkable run of form in this country, as he made 56 not out to guide India to a five-wicket win.
It means that over the course of nine Twenty20 Internationals in Bangladesh, he averages 86.2. More pertinently, the comprehensive win sealed India’s place in the final.
Yuvraj Singh played his most significant innings for some time, too. The veteran left-hander struck three sixes in a vicious innings of 35 off 18 balls.
Their combined efforts meant India overhauled Sri Lanka’s 138 for nine with four balls to spare, notching up their third win in the competition in the process.
Their only remaining pool match before Sunday’s final is against the UAE on Thursday night.
India’s success with the ball has been built on two thriving 22 year olds. Jasprit Bumrah took two for 27 from his four overs.
Hardik Pandya, the other rising star of the India side, achieved the curious distinction of taking three wickets in successive balls - without being able to celebrate a hat-trick.
The all-rounder had finished the Pakistan innings in the big match on Saturday night by dismissing Mohammed Sami and Mohammed Amir one after the other.
With his first ball against Sri Lanka, he had Tillakaratne Dilshan caught on the boundary by Ravi Ashwin. He ended with two for 26.
Sri Lanka’s woes continue. Their lone win in three matches in the Asia Cup so far was the laboured one over the UAE, and Lasith Malinga was again absent.
Their only reason for cheer was a Chamara Kapugedera, who top scored for them with the bat as he made 30, hinting at a return to form.
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