India continued their winning streak in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage with a Super Over victory over Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Pathum Nissanka‘s brilliant century almost ruined India’s celebration, and the dead rubber before the final turned into a thrilling match.
India achieved their highest tournament total of 202/5 after being asked to bat first. Abhishek Sharma got things off to a great start with 61 off 31 balls, laced with two sixes and seven fours. With an undefeated 49 off 34, Tilak Varma led the middle overs, and Sanju Samson contributed 24. Although Sri Lanka’s bowlers took wickets on a regular basis, none were able to halt the run-flow as India easily reached the 200-mark.
Nissanka’s first T20I century helped Sri Lanka mount a strong response. He and Kusal Perera put India on the defensive with a record-breaking 127-run partnership. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy slowed things down in the middle overs, causing a mini-collapse, but Perera’s 54 off 27 kept the pursuit going.
Nevertheless, Sri Lanka needed 12 to force the match into the last over. Dasun Shanaka’s efforts and Indian fielding errors reduced the score to 3 runs off the final ball after Harshit Rana had removed Nissanka for an incredible 107 off the opening ball. The match ended with a tie at 202 apiece when Shanaka only managed two.
As the match progressed to a Super Over, Suryakumar Yadav put his trust in Arshdeep Singh to handle the ball. Both Shanaka and Perera were dismissed by the left-arm bowler, who delivered under pressure. Shanaka stumbled while attempting to push the score, and Perera was killed on the first ball. In six balls, Sri Lanka only managed to score 2/2.
Suryakumar finished it off the first delivery in style, hitting Wanindu Hasaranga through cover for three runs, giving India the three runs they needed to win.
India now has a perfect record in tied Twenty20 Internationals after winning all six matches decided by Super Over or Bowl Out. In six Super Over matches, it was Sri Lanka’s fourth loss.
Who Made What Remark?
Pathum Nissanka, the match’s MVP
India’s Suryakumar Yadav (winning captain)
It seemed like the last one (laughter). In the second innings following the first half, the guys displayed a great deal of character. instructed them to play this as if it were a semifinal. Bring everyone together, create a positive vibe, and then watch what transpires. It feels good to be winning. After that start, someone like Sanju or Tilak would bat in that direction and pick up the pace where Abhishek left off (I’m not sure where I left it)… It was encouraging to see Tilak assume confidence and responsibility while Sanju remained closed and went down the order.
Arshdeep has provided for us despite having been in that predicament for a long period. I told him not to think about anything and to support his own objectives. We’re in the finals already, but make your own plans and carry them out. I have witnessed him carry out his strategies and achieve great success for India and his IPL team. His self-assurance speaks for itself, and only Arshdeep deserves that Super Over. Tonight, let us have a successful recovery. Now is not the time to consider that (the final).
Today, only few boys experienced severe cramping. Tomorrow, we’ll show up just as we did today, so have a good recuperation day. Just trying to carry out their intentions, being straightforward, and not being afraid was all I asked of the boys, and I’m sure that everyone received what they wanted. Being in the final makes me happy.
Charith Asalanka (Losing Captain), Sri Lanka
We were in the game till Varun and Kuldeep bowled those middle overs, but it was an amazing match. Nissanka’s batting was amazing; they have some very talented bowlers, and it was great to watch him bat with such an aggressive style. The Asia Cup had several great aspects. Despite playing excellent cricket, we were unable to win the last two games. There are many advantages to becoming a captain.
India
