This seems to be very interesting. India has lost 18 finals out of 22 it has played, since 1999. And if I'm not mistaken they haven't won at least one final against Sri Lanka since that year. The only time they didn't lose to Sri Lanka in a final was in the 2002 Mini-World Cup, in which both the teams were adjudged as joint Champions. This happened due to rain, but if there was no rain India might've got the chance to break the shackles.
Anyway, India is yet to win against Sri Lanka in a final. What's the reason? One might think that the question-like-title of this post should be answered as 'yes'. But, it's upto you, the reader, to decide.
When India last won against Sri Lanka in a final, was in 1998 in the Sri Lanka Independence Trophy. That too, Sri Lanka lost only by 8 runs. And to be frank, Sri Lanka gifted that match to India. Then, in 2000 the two teams once again met in a final in the Sharjah Trophy which was also called as the Coca-Cola Trophy. It's was a humiliating defeat for India in the hands of their opposition. India just made a paltry 54 runs in reply to Sri Lanka's 299. It was a match which had a lot of records, all in Sri Lanka's favour. The first one was that Sanath Jayasuriya made 189, which was the then 3rd highest score by an individual in ODIs. The second, was that India were dismissed for 3rd lowest ODI total at that time. And the other, was that Sri Lanka recorded the biggest win (won by 245 runs).
Then, in 2001 in a Tri-series in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka won again. Sri Lanka batted first posting 290+ runs. India made only 170+ runs in reply.
The next match was in 2002 in the Mini-World Cup, which I have already discussed about.
Then the two teams again met in the 2004 Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka won this match comfortably, though India gave a good fight in the middle overs, when chasing. The pitch was not good for batting, but Sri Lanka somehow managed to post a total of 220+. It was a good total in a turning pitch. India started well, but lost some quick wickets. But, India regained momentum when Sachin Tendulkar scored a good half-century. After the dismissal of Tendulkar India almost gave up, despite the wagging of the tail enders.
Afterwards the two teams met in a triangular series in Sri Lanka. This time it was a close match till the last 5 to 10 overs. A good partnership between Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh seemed to be taking India to a good victory. But alas! The partnership was broken when Rahul Dravid got out by trying for an unwanted single. And then, Yuvraj Singh followed him in another few overs. Thus, the hopes of India winning, fading off.
And the most recent match between the two teams was played only this Sunday. Sri Lanka won comfortably thanks to Ajantha Mendis' magic bowling and Sanath Jayasuriya's good knock of 125. But, India seem to be cruising along in the beginning of their chase. All of a sudden in came Mendis and bowled a magic spell that ripped the Indian middle order. From there onwards it seemed to be a tough task for India to recover. Sri Lanka, eventually won the match by 100 runs.
So, India's phobia of Sri Lanka continues. Although, India has got the better of Sri Lanka in the recent past, they seem to be not still good enough to win against Sri Lanka in a final, let alone losing a lot of finals since 1999. India's situation looks similar to that of the All Blacks who haven't won crucial matches despite being the world no.1 in Rugby for years. India may not be the no.1 in Cricket, but they are a force to reckon without any doubt.
Anyway, India is yet to win against Sri Lanka in a final. What's the reason? One might think that the question-like-title of this post should be answered as 'yes'. But, it's upto you, the reader, to decide.
When India last won against Sri Lanka in a final, was in 1998 in the Sri Lanka Independence Trophy. That too, Sri Lanka lost only by 8 runs. And to be frank, Sri Lanka gifted that match to India. Then, in 2000 the two teams once again met in a final in the Sharjah Trophy which was also called as the Coca-Cola Trophy. It's was a humiliating defeat for India in the hands of their opposition. India just made a paltry 54 runs in reply to Sri Lanka's 299. It was a match which had a lot of records, all in Sri Lanka's favour. The first one was that Sanath Jayasuriya made 189, which was the then 3rd highest score by an individual in ODIs. The second, was that India were dismissed for 3rd lowest ODI total at that time. And the other, was that Sri Lanka recorded the biggest win (won by 245 runs).
Then, in 2001 in a Tri-series in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka won again. Sri Lanka batted first posting 290+ runs. India made only 170+ runs in reply.
The next match was in 2002 in the Mini-World Cup, which I have already discussed about.
Then the two teams again met in the 2004 Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka won this match comfortably, though India gave a good fight in the middle overs, when chasing. The pitch was not good for batting, but Sri Lanka somehow managed to post a total of 220+. It was a good total in a turning pitch. India started well, but lost some quick wickets. But, India regained momentum when Sachin Tendulkar scored a good half-century. After the dismissal of Tendulkar India almost gave up, despite the wagging of the tail enders.
Afterwards the two teams met in a triangular series in Sri Lanka. This time it was a close match till the last 5 to 10 overs. A good partnership between Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh seemed to be taking India to a good victory. But alas! The partnership was broken when Rahul Dravid got out by trying for an unwanted single. And then, Yuvraj Singh followed him in another few overs. Thus, the hopes of India winning, fading off.
And the most recent match between the two teams was played only this Sunday. Sri Lanka won comfortably thanks to Ajantha Mendis' magic bowling and Sanath Jayasuriya's good knock of 125. But, India seem to be cruising along in the beginning of their chase. All of a sudden in came Mendis and bowled a magic spell that ripped the Indian middle order. From there onwards it seemed to be a tough task for India to recover. Sri Lanka, eventually won the match by 100 runs.
So, India's phobia of Sri Lanka continues. Although, India has got the better of Sri Lanka in the recent past, they seem to be not still good enough to win against Sri Lanka in a final, let alone losing a lot of finals since 1999. India's situation looks similar to that of the All Blacks who haven't won crucial matches despite being the world no.1 in Rugby for years. India may not be the no.1 in Cricket, but they are a force to reckon without any doubt.
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