Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja said Sri Lanka missed a plot by allowing India to face its depleted side in the last game.

Raja, who was visibly miffed with the home team's exit from the final of the STAR Cricket Asia Cup, said had Sri Lanka fielded their full strength team, they could have taken on a weaker Pakistan side in the final.

He suggested that the Lankans had shot themselves in the foot by "opting" to play India in the final as they were a tougher opponent than Pakistan.

"I think Sri Lanka should have played with much more fire to stop India from reaching the final as the Indians are a talented bunch of boys," he said.

India, chasing 309, beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in their last Super Four game on Thursday to qualify for the finals on Sunday.

"Pakistan has played well but in patches. No doubt, they have the potential but the team still lacks that consistency," he said, adding that Sri Lanka would have been at an advantage in the final having beaten the hosts earlier in the league stage of the tournament.

Sri Lanka, who had already qualified for the final before the match against India, decided to rest two of its key players - Chaminda Vaas and Ajantha Mendis.

Raja maintained that the Lankans will have a tough time facing the Indians in the final, which could have been averted had they showed a little more seriousness in their approach on Thursday.

However, Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene believed that taking on the hosts would have been more dangerous.

"I think Pakistan can be a very dangerous side playing a big match in front of its home crowd. So in a way we have cut that element of crowd support out. It is good for India and Sri Lanka they don't have to worry about this factor," Jayawardene told reporters

According to the skipper, the Lankan players will have to fulfil their respective roles to perfection to emerge victorious in the final.

"What is important is how we executive our plans and strategies in the final which is the big match for us," Jayawardene said.