India close to elimination after a six-wicket defeat

India, the defending Asia Cup champions, lost to Sri Lanka by six wickets in their super four-round clash on Tuesday, coming close to being eliminated.

The outcome put the Men in Blue’s chances of reaching the championship game at the hands of the other teams. Additionally, it meant that India’s captain Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 41-ball 72 was in vain as the islanders successfully chased down 174 with one ball remaining.

Sri Lanka scored 14 runs off the penultimate over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, nearly winning it for them when they needed 21 runs in 12 balls.

Pakistan beating Afghanistan on Wednesday will eliminate India from the competition.

The Sri Lankans got off to a fast start as they chased what appeared to be a par total at the innings break, with openers Kusal Mendis (57 off 37 balls) and Pathum Nissanka (52 off 37 balls) putting on 91 runs at a quick clip.

The fifty was reached in the sixth over thanks to both batsmen’ consistent and effortless hitting of the gaps and boundaries, which put a lot of pressure on the Indian bowling attack, which struggled to adjust to the two Lankan hitters’ optimistic batting style.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who struck twice in the 12th over to halt Sri Lanka’s advance, had other ideas.