Dubai: India triumphed over Sri Lanka in a nail-biting match of the ongoing Asia Cup, which concluded in a dramatic tie after 40 overs. India batted first and set a challenging target of 202 runs, the highest score registered in this edition of the tournament. Abhishek Sharma led the charge for India, scoring 61 runs off 51 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed an unbeaten 49 runs.
Despite Sharma’s impressive form being a positive, there are several concerns for the Indian team heading into the final against Pakistan, particularly regarding captain Suryakumar Yadav. His struggles in international cricket throughout 2025 could pose a substantial risk to the team’s success. Shubman Gill has also not capitalized on his opportunities, showing flashes of potential without consistently converting starts into significant scores. In contrast, Sanju Samson’s recent return to form provides a boost to the squad.
In the chase, Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera garnered attention with a partnership of 127 runs, nearing a remarkable victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Perera scored 58 runs off 32 balls before his dismissal, complicating the chase for Sri Lanka. Nissanka kept the momentum going with his 108 runs, but after his efforts, Dasun Shanaka’s late innings of an unbeaten 22 runs off 11 balls helped push the match into a Super Over.
What occurred in the Super Over?
India bowled first in the Super Over, with Arshdeep Singh claiming the wicket of Kusal Perera on the very first ball. The strategy surprised many since Nissanka did not bat at that moment. Singh’s outstanding bowling minimized Sri Lanka’s scoring to just two runs in the over.
In response, India required only one ball to secure victory in the Super Over, with Suryakumar Yadav hitting the decisive runs.
India’s playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarty.
Sri Lanka’s playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
