ODI no. 3265

The minnows spoiled the final which is to be played in two days.

It ended a mixed season for a travel-weary Sri Lanka, following the highs of Australia. Not too long ago, India were in their hotel rooms in Brisbane, hoping for a Sri Lankan defeat to push them into the CB Series finals. This time, in a hotel not far from the ground, they were ironically hoping for a Sri Lankan win. There were no back-door entries for a team which has suffered its worst away season in recent history.

India has some very talented batsmen. However, they haven't clicked at the right moments after their World Cup victory.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka and made it to the final of the Asia Cup. Had they lost, India would have progressed to the final to face ... Pakistan! Instead, it'll be Bangladesh vs. Pakistan. Pakistan is, no question, the stronger team. If, however, Bangladesh wins, then this will turn out to be their most impressive tournament ever. It would mean that they vanquished the three Asian giants: India, Sril Lanka and Pakistan.

Though, I don't predict that will come to pass. Pakistan, on the strength of their bowling, will win to become the Asia Cup champions of 2012.