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The Asian Cricket Council has confirmed the Asia Cup 2023 schedule. The tournament will have 13 games, among which Pakistan will host four. The remaining matches will be played in Sri Lanka’s R Premadasa and Pallekele stadiums.
As far as India is concerned, they will play some crucial matches in both these venues, but Pallekele is special. It will be the venue for the India-Pakistan clash. That’s why we will look into India’s ODI record at this venue, looking at each match in detail.
India has an impressive record at this venue. However, do you know India’s history in the Asia Cup? Get the complete Asia Cup winners list 1984 to 2022.
India’s Record At Pallekele International Stadium
India’s record on this ground has been excellent. They have played three ODIs and went on to win all the games. This record must exude confidence among the Indian fans ahead of the big clash against Pakistan, which will take place on September 2. The pitch here has always been batting-friendly. However, spinners come into play, and the pitch becomes slow with time.
|
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
|
Aug 4, 2012 |
Sri Lanka |
India won by 20 runs |
|
Aug 24, 2017 |
Sri Lanka |
India won by 3 wickets |
|
Aug 27, 2017 |
Sri Lanka |
India won by 6 wickets |
As can be seen here, India took on the home team here thrice, winning those matches. We will look at three matches in detail:
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● vs Sri Lanka (2012):
In the first match India played here, their batters left a lasting impression. It was the fifth and final ODI match, and India had already won the series. With nothing to prove themselves, Indian batters batted brilliantly. Half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir (88), Manoj Tiwary (65), and MS Dhoni (58) helped India post a target of 295. Sri Lanka fought hard, with Lahiru Thirimanne (77) and Jeevan Mendis (72) scoring a fifty, but Irfan Pathan was too good as he claimed five wickets in the match.
● vs Sri Lanka (2017):
In 2017, India visited Sri Lanka for a five-match ODI series. India had taken a 1-0 lead in the first match and arrived at Pallekele for the second match. Chasing 237, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan put on a century stand. However, once the duo departed, Sri Lanka turned the tables. India saw themselves reduced to 131/7. But from here on, Dhoni (45) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (53) helped India chase down the target with 16 balls to spare.
● India vs Sri Lanka (2017)
India was again up against hosts at this venue three days later. With a 2-0 lead, Virat Kohli and his men looked to seal the deal. And that’s what they did, beating Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the match. Jasprit Bumrah picked up a fifer which helped them to restrict Sri Lanka to 217. In reply, India chased down the target with five overs to spare as Rohit scored a hundred and remained unbeaten alongside Dhoni, who scored an unbeaten 67.
Concluding Thoughts
India will take on Pakistan at this venue during the Asia Cup. Looking at their record here, it seems India will ace that clash. They have played three matches here and won all of them. All eyes will be on skipper Rohit Sharma who has a century to his name here. Indian spinners will be hoping to weave magic on this pitch.
