NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma-led Team India is all set to face defending champions Sri Lanka in the grand finale of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, the looming threat of rain casts a shadow over this crucial match.
The cricketing giants have 13 Asian titles (across T20s & ODIs) between them. India have seven Asia Cup titles to their name - 1984, 1988, 1990–91, 1995, 2010, 2016, and 2018.
Sri Lanka clinched the prestigious titles in 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and most recently in 2022.
India haven't won any title in the past five years. Sunday presents them with an excellent opportunity to break that disappointing streak when they face the Lankans in the title clash.
India's most recent title, across all formats, was in 2018 when the 'Men in Blue' cruised to a thrilling victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final, winning by just three wickets in Dubai.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who entered the 2022 edition as underdogs and won the title, will look for an encore.
1/10:Asia Cup Final: India look to snap trophy-less streak against Sri Lanka
ANI
2/10:Will India end title drought?
<p>The Indian team will be firm favourites to end its 5-year trophy draught in multi-nation events, when it squares off against a depleted Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup. <br /></p>ANI
3/10:The uncomfortable truth
<p>A glance at India's trophy cabinet will reveal the uncomfortable truth of them not winning any titles in the last five years, and Sunday will be a good opportunity for them to snap that unhappy streak.<br /></p>IANS
4/10:Ideal boost before World Cup
<p>Not to forget a win before getting into the World Cup mode will be the ideal boost for a side which hasn't yet fully ticked all boxes but is showing way more solidity than one would have thought a few months back.<br /></p>IANS
5/10:Faltering in pressure matches
<p>India's last title, across the three formats, came in 2018 when the Rohit's side beat Bangladesh in the Asia Cup by 3 wickets in Dubai. Since that victory, India's inability to master crunch matches and occasions has been startling.<br /></p>AP
6/10:The losing streak
<p>India reached semifinals of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, besides losing against New Zealand and Australia in the WTC finals in 2019 and 2023 respectively.<br /></p>AFP
7/10:Trophy in sight
<p>India will believe that they have a brilliant chance to add a trophy to their glittering collection come Sunday. India are certain to recall the five players who were rested in the Bangladesh clash.<br /><br /></p>AFP
8/10:The return of Virat, Hardik
<p>The return of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya for the summit clash will certainly add meat to their batting unit, which struggled against the array of Bangladesh spinners.<br /></p>PTI
9/10:Sundar roped in
<p>Washington Sundar has been called up as a cover for the injured Axar Patel. The all-rounder sustained several injuries during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh on Friday.<br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:Seeking boost in confidence
<p>A victory here in the Asia Cup will boost their confidence ahead of the quadrennial big bash next month, as they also seek to end a 10-year-long ICC trophy drought.<br /></p>ANIWHAT IF THE ASIA CUP FINAL IS WASHED OUT?
Weather in Sri Lanka has played a big role in this edition of the continental event.
Throughout the 'Super 4' stage of the Asia Cup, Colombo experienced persistent cloud cover and rain, and the forecast for the final showdown between India and Sri Lanka doesn't appear any more promising.
According to the latest weather updates for Sunday, thunderstorms with intermittent showers throughout the afternoon and evening may disrupt play.
However, much like the India vs Pakistan Super 4 match, the final also has a reserve day in case rain plays spoilsport on Sunday.
In case the final can't be completed on both the days (Sept 17 and the reserved day on Sept 18), India and Sri Lanka would share the honours as joint winners.
If that happens, it won't be the first time that the two Asian nations would be declared joint-title winners.
In 2002, India and Sri Lanka were declared co-champions of the Champions Trophy after the scheduled day of play as well as the reserve day produced no result.
