India edged out Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. India posted 202/5 in 20 overs, powered by a blazing opening knock from Abhishek Sharma. Tilak Varma remained just one run short of his half-century, while Sanju Samson also contributed with a useful innings.
While chasing, Pathum Nissanka smashed 107 off 58 balls, and Kusal Perera added 58 off 32. Sri Lanka matched India’s total, finishing on 202/5 in their 20 overs.
In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh kept his nerve, taking two crucial wickets and preventing Sri Lanka from completing their over. Suryakumar Yadav then gave India a quick start by driving the first ball from Wanindu Hasaranga through the covers for three runs, sealing India’s victory.
India’s Smooth Innings
India began steadily. Abhishek Sharma produced a stunning start, building a 59-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav, who scored just 12 off 13 in the partnership. Later, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson combined for 66 runs.
Nissanka then launched an explosive 127-run partnership off 70 balls with Perera. Their efforts brought Sri Lanka close to victory, but the remaining batters could not finish the job.
Super Over Drama
Sri Lanka batted first in the Super Over but surprisingly left Nissanka in the dugout. Perera and Shanaka opened instead, with Arshdeep Singh bowling. Perera sliced the first ball to deep point, where Rinku Singh completed a running catch. Mendis struggled to score against Arshdeep and managed only a single. Shanaka could not handle the wide yorkers either, attempting a bye on the fourth ball.
A caught-behind appeal against Shanaka led to a brief confusion. The umpire initially gave him out, but because the stumps were broken before the finger was raised, Shanaka was exonerated. However, he top-edged the next ball to deep third, ending Sri Lanka’s Super Over at two runs. India only needed three runs on the first ball to secure victory.
Abhishek Sharma Dominates Powerplay
Abhishek’s powerplay was spectacular. Although Shubman Gill fell on the ninth ball, Abhishek attacked relentlessly. Against Dushmantha Chameera, he smashed one over long-off, another over short fine leg, and sliced the next over short third. He reached fifty in just 22 balls, and India were 71 for 1 by the end of the powerplay. Abhishek eventually fell for 61 off 31 balls, mistiming a half-tracker from Charith Asalanka.
Nissanka’s Record-Breaking Knock
Nissanka had been quiet in the first two Super Four games but exploded in this match. He drove Hardik Pandya through point, lofted others over deep midwicket, and hooked balls over backward square leg. He reached fifty off just 25 balls and kept attacking. By the 17th over, he became Sri Lanka’s fourth T20I centurion, hitting Arshdeep into the sightscreen. His final score of 108 off 58 balls is now Sri Lanka’s highest individual T20I score.
Brief Scorecard
Super Over
India showcased its potential in every department under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership. Abhishek Sharma was fantastic with the bat. India remained unbeaten on their way to the Asia Cup final, despite resting key players Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube. Abhishek’s aggressive style was remarkable. When he came to the crease, he forced the opposition bowlers to think carefully about their line and length to avoid being hit for six.
Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel performed their roles perfectly. Bumrah continues to be a key bowler for India and will be crucial in the final. On the other hand, Pathum Nissanka displayed his exceptional batting skills. He played a superb innings and became the first player to score a century in the Asia Cup 2025. His brilliant knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka showed its potential, but it came a little too late in the Super 4 stage. Now, all eyes are on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup Final, which will be played on Sunday, September 28. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!