India survived a nerve-racking encounter in Dubai, edging Sri Lanka in a Super Over to cap off their Asia Cup Super Four campaign with yet another victory. Despite the game carrying no weight in terms of qualification, the clash produced one of the most exhilarating contests of the tournament, featuring centuries, late drama, and a nerveless finish from Arshdeep Singh.
Abhishek sets the tone with another PowerPlay blitz
Inserted into bat first, India’s innings began shakily with Shubman Gill dismissed early and skipper Suryakumar Yadav falling cheaply. But Abhishek Sharma once again showcased his blistering form at the top, hammering 61 from just 31 balls. His knock, laced with eight fours and two sixes, made him the first batter to cross 300 runs in this edition of the T20I Asia Cup.
Sanju Samson (39) and Tilak Varma (49*), batting in the middle order, steadied the innings with a vital 66-run partnership. Their composure ensured India posted 202/5—the highest total of the tournament—despite Sri Lanka’s spinners keeping things tight in the middle overs.
Nissanka’s masterclass keeps Sri Lanka alive
Sri Lanka’s chase began disastrously with Kusal Mendis falling first ball, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera staged a stunning counterattack. The pair matched India’s aggressive start, blasting 72 runs in the PowerPlay to keep the chase alive.
Nissanka was the standout performer, compiling a breathtaking 107 off 58 balls, his maiden T20I century. Perera added 58 from 32 deliveries, and their 127-run stand—the highest in Asia Cup T20 history—kept India under pressure.
But Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy pulled things back in the middle overs, removing Perera and Asalanka to break Sri Lanka’s momentum. With the game hanging in the balance, Nissanka carried his side deep, but Sri Lanka could only tie India’s total, forcing a Super Over.
Arshdeep holds his nerve in the Super Over
Tasked with defending in the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass in composure. The left-arm quick struck twice, removing Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka, while conceding just two runs.
India required three runs to win, and Suryakumar Yadav needed just one delivery to complete the chase, threading a boundary to seal victory in emphatic fashion.
After the match, skipper Suryakumar lauded Arshdeep’s temperament:
“He’s been in this situation many times before and has delivered for both India and in the IPL. I told him to trust his own plans. His confidence says it all—there was no one else I’d want bowling that Super Over.”
India’s challenge ahead of the final
While the victory extended India’s unbeaten run, it came at a physical cost. Several players, including Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya, struggled with cramps in Dubai’s humid conditions. Pandya bowled just one over before leaving the field, raising concerns ahead of the final.
Suryakumar admitted the intensity took a toll:
“It felt like a final out there. The boys showed great character, but a few struggled physically. We’ll take tomorrow as a recovery day and then focus on turning up with the same energy for the final.”
India now shift their attention to Sunday’s high-stakes final against Pakistan, knowing recovery will be just as important as preparation.
Brief Scores
India 202/5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49*; Hasaranga 1/25)
Sri Lanka 202/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58; Kuldeep Yadav 1/31, Varun Chakaravarthy 1/31)
Result: India won via Super Over