2004 Asia Cup final: Who won 2004 Asia Cup final?

On August 1, 2004, Sri Lanka and India faced off in a thrilling finale at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to determine the champion of the prestigious Asia Cup. Sri Lanka, the hosts, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a formidable target for the Men in Blue.

2004 Asia Cup final: Who won 2004 Asia Cup final?

The Sri Lankan innings got off to a shaky start as their openers, Avishka Gunawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya, were dismissed cheaply for eight and 15 runs in the 2004 Asia Cup final, respectively. However, the team’s fortunes took a positive turn when skipper Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara took charge. Displaying exemplary batting skills, both batsmen not only reached the milestone of scoring a half-century but also forged a crucial partnership of 116 runs.

Atapattu’s elegant knock of 65 runs and Sangakkara’s composed innings of 53 provided the Sri Lankan team with a solid foundation. Unfortunately, after their departure, Sri Lanka struggled to build substantial partnerships and could only manage a total of 228 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. The Indian bowling attack, led by Irfan Pathan and Sachin Tendulkar, proved effective as they claimed two wickets each. Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag also contributed with a wicket each, exerting pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen.

Chasing a target of 229 runs for victory in the 2004 Asia Cup final, India faced a formidable challenge from the Sri Lankan bowlers. Upul Chandana emerged as the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of three for 33. Sanath Jayasuriya provided excellent support, taking two wickets while conceding just 34 runs. Tillakaratne Dilshan, Nuwan Zoysa, and Chaminda Vaas also made valuable contributions, each claiming a wicket to further restrict India’s progress.

Despite the collective efforts of the Indian batting lineup, only Sachin Tendulkar managed to put up a fight. Tendulkar showcased his immense skill and determination, scoring a well-crafted 74 runs off 100 balls. However, the lack of substantial partnerships and regular fall of wickets hindered India’s progress. As a result, they could only reach a total of 203 for nine in their allotted overs, falling short of the target.

Sri Lanka’s victory was a testament to their disciplined bowling and their ability to stifle the Indian batting lineup. Their captain, Marvan Atapattu, was rightfully awarded the title of ‘Player of the Match’ for his instrumental role in guiding Sri Lanka to victory with his impressive batting display.

The match between Sri Lanka and India in the 2004 Asia Cup final will be remembered as a thrilling contest where Sri Lanka’s strong batting performance and disciplined bowling sealed their third title in the prestigious tournament. The players showcased their skills and determination, providing cricket enthusiasts with a memorable spectacle that will be etched in their minds for years to come.

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