Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja expressed deep disappointment with Sri Lanka's performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India in Colombo, characterizing it as a one-sided affair.
Ramiz Raja pinpointed that the issue wasn't the conditions at the R.Premadasa Stadium but rather the approach of the Sri Lankan batters. He noted that despite playing on their home turf, Sri Lanka appeared clueless against the Indian bowlers.
“The conditions weren't unplayable. The Indian bowlers were fantastic, and the Sri Lankan batters played ridiculously. We have seen such a bowling performance in ODIs after a very long time. The Sri Lankan batters didn't learn from their mistakes. They didn't use their brain and it seemed as if they were eager to go back to the dressing room,” Ramiz Raja remarked.
In his assessment, Ramiz Raja humorously compared the final to a mismatch, saying, “There couldn't have been a more ridiculous final than this, especially in modern-day cricket, where players know the conditions and the opposition very well. Sri Lanka played at home.
“I haven't seen a home team get thrashed like this. If you get bowled out for 50 in your home territory after winning the toss, there's nothing to comment on. It is useless to comment on the final because it was like Harvard University was competing against Kindergarten.”
Sri Lanka endured a humiliating defeat, losing to India by ten wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 final. Their batting lineup collapsed, and they were dismissed for a meager total of 50 runs in just 15.2 overs.
India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj with an impressive six-wicket haul, dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order. Hardik Pandya secured three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah took one.
Innings break: A tough day at the crease, getting bowled out for 50 runs! 😲#SLvIND #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/Aywe2YXpET
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 17, 2023
Asia Cup final win will boost India's confidence – Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja acknowledged the significance of this victory for India, highlighting that it would boost their confidence, especially after their struggles in multi-nation tournaments in recent years. He emphasized that there's no jealousy within the Indian team, and the bowlers relish each other's success.
“The Indian bowlers enjoy each other's success. There is no jealousy factor. This was a very important win for them. India has consistently failed to make it to the final in the recent past. This win will give them a lot of confidence, making them believe that they are titleholders,” Ramiz Raja explained.
Following their triumph in the Asia Cup 2023, Rohit Sharma and the Indian team will shift their focus to a three-match home ODI series against Australia. The series commences on September 22 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.