Sharma continued his brilliant run, scoring 61 off just 31 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes, setting the tone for India’s innings. Tilak Varma complemented him with an unbeaten 49 off 34 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Towards the end, Sanju Samson (39 off 23) and Axar Patel (21* off 15) contributed valuable runs, ensuring India crossed the 200-run mark comfortably.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to field against India in the final Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup in Dubai.
The game is a dead rubber, with India and Pakistan already securing their places in Sunday’s final.
India’s campaign has been highlighted by Abhishek Sharma’s prolific batting and Kuldeep Yadav’s consistent wicket-taking, though fielding lapses, 12 dropped catches, remain a concern.
Sri Lanka, unbeaten in the group stage, faltered in the Super Fours and crashed out of contention but are eager to end on a high. India rested Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube, bringing in Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana.
Sri Lanka made one change, with Janith Liyange replacing Chamika Karunaratne, as they look to restrict India and salvage pride.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
