Dubai: During an ultra-short pre-match press conference, Dasun Shanaka couldn't stop gushing about India's firepower. The Sri Lankan captain had earlier in the Asia Cup got into trash talk in the leadup to a virtual knockout game against Bangladesh. As India find themselves in an equally vulnerable position for Tuesday's match, Shanaka stayed away from daring his opponents this time.
"I think they had a very good game (against Pakistan) last night. There is nothing called under pressure at the moment because they are playing very good cricket and will be well prepared for tomorrow's game," Shanaka said.
That said, there will be some jitters in the Indian camp. Not coming good in crunch games in big tournaments has been a problem with India for most part of the last decade. On paper, India hold all the aces. But the team is far from being settled.
While the top order seemed to have rediscovered some of its ominous form against Pakistan on Sunday, Ravindra Jadeja's absence has again exposed the team's vulnerability: the sixth bowling option. The left-arm spinner's two-three overs in the middle order often provided a cushion to the team.
The attack unravelled when Pakistan launched a counter-attack on Sunday. Two of India's least experienced bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi - returned the best economy rates. It doesn't help when two of your three top bowlers have a bad day.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’
Fury's Ground Xiro
Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.
