India vs Sri Lanka, Super Fours, Asia Cup 2025: Full Match Summary
The Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash between India and Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium delivered one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament. With both teams finishing the 20-over innings tied at 202 runs apiece, the match was ultimately decided by a nail-biting Super Over, in which India emerged victorious. Here’s a detailed look at how the game unfolded.
India Innings
Winning the toss, India elected to bat first and posted a competitive total of 202 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma played a crucial role with a composed 61 off 31 balls, anchoring the innings at a brisk strike rate of 196.77. Shubman Gill provided a solid start but fell early for 43, caught behind by M Theekshana. Suryakumar Yadav, captaining the side, contributed 12 runs before being trapped lbw by Wanindu Hasaranga.
The Indian innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play from the middle order. Tilak Varma, scoring a quick 49 off 34 balls, and Riyan Parag Samson, who added 39 off 23, ensured India maintained a healthy scoring rate in the middle overs. Hardik Pandya’s cameo of 23 runs off 30 balls provided stability, while Axar Patel remained unbeaten on 21, hitting a boundary and a six to accelerate towards the end.
Extras contributed 14 runs, including 7 wides and 2 no-balls, reflecting the pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers during the final overs. The fall of wickets at intervals of 15-1, 74-2, 92-3, 158-4, and 162-5 showcased India’s resilience in navigating both the spin and pace attack.
Key bowlers for Sri Lanka included Maheesh Theekshana, who took 1 for 29 in 4 overs, and Wanindu Hasaranga, claiming 1 for 9, while captain Charith Asalanka also contributed with a wicket.
Sri Lanka Innings
Chasing 203, Sri Lanka fought back impressively with a strong performance from Pathum Nissanka, who scored a breathtaking 107 off 58 balls. His innings featured 7 fours and 6 sixes and carried the team through the middle overs. Kusal Perera played an attacking 58 off 32 balls, complementing Nissanka’s effort and keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt.
Other contributors included Charith Asalanka with 5 off 9 balls, Kamindu Mendis with 37 off 37, and late-order stability from Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage, both scoring unbeaten 22s. Sri Lanka’s innings also included 5 extras, including 4 wides.
The fall of wickets was timely, but despite losing key wickets at 7-1, 134-2, 157-3, 163-4, and 191-5, Sri Lanka managed to reach the target in the final over, tying the scores at 202 for 5.
Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh led the Indian bowling attack, with Pandya conceding 7 runs in his over and Arshdeep taking 1 for 31. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav contained runs, while Varun Chakaravarthy picked 1 wicket.
The Super Over
With both teams tied, a Super Over was required to decide the winner. India’s top order struck aggressively in the Super Over, scoring crucial boundaries and ensuring Sri Lanka faced a challenging chase. Effective bowling and smart field placements by India restricted Sri Lanka, ultimately sealing a dramatic win for India in front of a packed Dubai crowd.
Key Takeaways
- Pathum Nissanka displayed class under pressure, scoring a scintillating century and almost taking Sri Lanka over the line.
- Kusal Perera provided the perfect counterattack, complementing Nissanka’s effort and keeping the chase alive.
- Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag Samson anchored India’s innings brilliantly and ensured a competitive total.
- The match highlighted the importance of composure under pressure, strategic use of bowlers, and timely hitting in T20 cricket.
- The Super Over win gives India momentum heading further into the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka Super Fours match in the Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered as a high-intensity thriller showcasing the best of T20 cricket. Both teams demonstrated skill, aggression, and tactical acumen, but it was India’s calm execution in the Super Over that ultimately handed them a memorable victory.
FAQ
Q: Who scored the highest runs for India?
A: Abhishek Sharma top-scored for India with 61 runs off 31 balls.
Q: Who were the top performers for Sri Lanka?
A: Pathum Nissanka scored 107 and Kusal Perera 58, keeping Sri Lanka in contention.
Q: What was the final result of the match?
A: The match ended in a tie at 202 runs each, with India winning in the Super Over.
Q: Where was the match played?
A: The match took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
Q: What impact does this win have for India in the Asia Cup 2025?
A: The Super Over win boosts India’s confidence and strengthens their position in the Super Fours stage of the tournament.