An unforgettable drama resulted from the India vs. Sri Lanka match in the 2025 Asia Cup Super Four stage. Even though it was a “dead rubber,” the game had suspense, excellent batting, close bowling spells, and a Super Over conclusion. Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka stole the show with an incredible century and earned the Player of the Match award.
Toss and Conditions:
Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, won the toss and decided to field first. In Dubai, the field was level and conducive to batting while illuminated. The team that bats second might benefit from Dew. It made logical sense under those circumstances to bowl first.
India Innings:
India came out on top. Abhishek Sharma struck 8 fours and 2 sixes in smashing 61 off 31 balls. He started India on a fiery note. For 4, Shubman Gill collapsed early. Prior to his dismissal, Suryakumar Yadav added 12 runs. The middle order in India then fared well. Sanju Samson scored 39 runs. Tilak Varma led the innings late and was still undefeated at 49. In 20 overs, India finished at 202/5.
Sri Lanka Bowling:
The bowlers from Sri Lanka had trouble at first. The quick bowlers gave up runs. Attempting to stop the damage, Wanindu Hasaranga was slapped with limits. Moreover, spin options struggled throughout the middle overs. Targeting the weak points, India rotated effectively. They realized at the end that they had revealed too much.
Sri Lanka Innings:
Sri Lanka responded forcefully. In an incredible innings of 107 off 58 balls, Pathum Nissanka hammered 6 sixes and 7 fours. With his 58, Kusal Perera joined him in a massive 127-run partnership for the second wicket. They put Sri Lanka back in the game with their stand.
At the end, however, wickets fell. When Varun Chakravarthy fired Perera, he ended the partnership. Nissanka was removed by Harshit Rana in the last over. The first ball of the 20th over was the cause of that wicket. Sri Lanka also finished 202/5, precisely matching India.
India Bowling:
It was a mixed night for India’s bowlers. In the final over, Harshit Rana took out Nissanka, who was vital. Additionally, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav each claimed a wicket. Arshdeep Singh was hit during the normal innings, but he had a strong stint. They gave up a lot of runs, but when it counted, they held it close.
Super Over:
The India vs. Sri Lanka match went into a Super Over after the two teams were knotted at 202. Sri Lanka was the first to bat. In the face of urgency, Arshdeep Singh bowled and delivered. Only two runs were lost by him, and he took two wickets. They were shocked in Sri Lanka.
Only three runs were required by India. Suryakumar Yadav struck a three-run boundary on the opening ball. India won it with a single ball. India prevailed in the Super Over.
Additionally, drama surfaced when Dasun Shanaka’s run-out appeal in the Super Over was overturned, allowing him to stay.
Player of the Match:
After his amazing 107-run knock, Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Match. Even though Sri Lanka lost, his innings was noteworthy.
Some of the key moments:
- India gained momentum after a vicious 61 from Abhishek Sharma.
- India surpassed 200 with Tilak Varma’s consistent 49*.
- The momentum was altered by a 127-run stand from Nissanka and Perera.
- A Super Over was required after Rana dismissed Nissanka with the first ball of the final over.
- India won the match thanks to Arshdeep’s heroic bowling in the Super Overs.
Last match Before the Final:
Even though Sri Lanka was eliminated and India was already in the final. This India vs. Sri Lanka match was significant in spirit. It put India’s determination to the test. It also demonstrated Sri Lanka’s will to fight, particularly through Nissanka.
India would continue to gain ground on Pakistan in the final. Notwithstanding the defeat, Sri Lanka can take heart from their batting comeback.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka Super Four match showed why T20 cricket is so thrilling and unpredictable. The drama of a Super Over, Sri Lanka’s valiant chase, and India’s potent batting kept spectators riveted. India emerged victorious, but Sri Lanka was proud of Pathum Nissanka’s incredible century. This triumph was the ideal preparation for India’s match versus Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. For the neutrals, it was just another memorable cricket night.
India won the match in a thrilling super over. Crushing Sri Lanka’s hope of winning a match in Super Four.
Pathum Nissanka was the man of the match for his brilliant century. Even though Sri Lanka lost.