India kept their perfect record intact at the Asia Cup 2025 with a dramatic Super Over victory against Sri Lanka in the final Super Fours encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The match went the distance after both teams posted identical totals of 202 for five in their allotted 20 overs, forcing a tie-breaker that India clinched with composure.
Batting first, India’s innings was anchored by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 61 off 31 deliveries, decorated with eight boundaries and two sixes. Sanju Samson provided further impetus with a brisk 39 from 23 balls, while Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 49 off 34 and Axar Patel’s late cameo of 21 not out off 15 ensured the team crossed the 200-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s reply was spirited despite the early dismissal of Kusal Mendis for a duck. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera rebuilt with a commanding 127-run stand for the second wicket. Perera’s fluent 58 from 32 balls kept the chase alive, while Nissanka produced a masterclass with 107 from 58 deliveries, striking seven fours and six sixes. His effort carried Sri Lanka to parity, setting up the Super Over.
In the tie-breaker, Arshdeep Singh struck with his very first ball to dismiss Perera, putting India in command. The left-arm seamer held his nerve to restrict Sri Lanka to just two runs. Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill needed only a single delivery to chase the target, with SKY dispatching the winning stroke.
Pathum Nissanka was named Player of the Match for his sublime century, though it ultimately came in vain.
India’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments once again proved decisive, with Arshdeep’s decisive over and the batting unit’s depth underlining their tournament dominance. They now turn their focus to a blockbuster final against arch-rivals Pakistan, while Sri Lanka are left to rue missed opportunities in a campaign that promised much but fell short.
Scorecard:
India: 202/5 Overs 20, Abhishek Sharma 61, Charith Asalanka 1/18
Sri Lanka: 202/5, Overs 20, Pathum Nissanka 107, Hardik Pandya 1/7
