India crush Sri Lanka to clinch Asia Cup title

KABUL (Pajhwok): India routed defending champions Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to clinch the Asia Cup title at Colombo on Sunday.

The hosts, who won the toss and elected to bat, were rocked by fiery bowling spells from Indian pacers, who did not allow the batters to settle down.

In less than 16 overs, the Sri Lankans were literally skittle out for a paltry 50 -- their lowest -- at a jam-packed Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Mohammad Siraj raced to a historic six-wicket haul in the final that saw a flurry of new records being created, including the dismissal of the holders in just 15.2 overs.

Previously, the lowest total record in the Asia Cup final was held by Bangladesh, who were bundled out for 87 by Pakistan 23 years ago.

Siraj claimed four scalps in one over. With a devastating spell of 6-21 in seven overs, he rewrote history books.

For India, which outclassed the opposition in all departments, Hardik Pandya bagged three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah had to be content with a single scalp.

Dushan Hemantha (13 not out) and Kusal Mendis (17) were the only Sri Lankan batsmen to enter double figures.

As the chase got under way, India once again exhibited their class and batted with aplomb. The openers saw India dry and home in 6.1 overs, winning the cup for a record eighth time.

Ahead of the much-awaited clash, India made a change to their Asia Cup squad, calling up Washington Sundar to replace Axar Patel.

PAN Monitor/mud