Asia Cup 2023

WATCH: Young Sri Lankan net bowlers gifting Virat Kohli with special memento before Ind v Pak Asia Cup 2023 game

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli recently was in conversation with a few Sri Lankan net bowlers. The 34-year-old shared his views on the game and imparted advice to the young local hopefuls. The young net bowlers for their part presented the Indian run machine with a memento in the form of a bat enclosed in glass.

The gesture was widely appreciated by the Indian cricket fans. The gesture also denotes the wide adulation the fans have for Virat Kohli. The entire interaction took place as Virat Kohli was getting ready for the India versus Pakistan game. India begins their Super Four stage on Sunday with the epic clash against their arch-rivals.

Sri Lankan net bowlers show their love for Virat Kohli

In a short video posted by Revsportz on Twitter, the memento of the bat inside a glass case can be seen. The young Sri Lankan net bowler wearing an England cap and Sri Lanka jersey then gifts it to Virat Kohli. The former Indian skipper can be seen holding it with a glee on his face. The young net bowler could be heard saying how he had been waiting since 2017 to gift this memento. The youngster also said that he hoped Kohli to score a ton in the Asia Cup and eventually score his 100 centuries in the near future.

Virat Kohli – The biggest inspiration in modern Era.

One of the net bowlers gifted a metal bat to his idol. pic.twitter.com/iuLTmeEit1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2023

Sri Lanka on Saturday began their Super Four stage with a comprehensive win over Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and chose to bowl first as Sri Lanka scored 257/9 from their 50 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama was the top scorer with 93 off 72 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis scored 50 off 73 balls with 6 fours and a six in his knock.

Chasing 258 to win and stay alive in the tournament, Bangladesh began well. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mohammad Naim added 55 for the 1^st wicket. Miraz was out for 28 as Sri Lanka made a comeback as Bangladesh lost quick wickets. The visitors were reeling at 83/4 in the 19^th over.

The comeback was staged by a 72-run stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy for the 5^th wicket. Rahim was eventually out against the run of play for 29. Hridoy was the lone man standing as he hit 82 off 97 balls with 7 fours and a six. Sri Lanka won the game by 21 runs as Bangladesh were knocked out of Asia Cup 2023.