India Edge Sri Lanka in Thrilling Super Over Clash Ahead of Asia Cup Final
India kept their unbeaten streak alive in the Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting Super Over against Sri Lanka in the final Super Fours clash on Friday. Although the match was a dead rubber — with India already booked for Sunday’s final against Pakistan and Sri Lanka out of contention — it turned out to be one of the most dramatic games of the tournament.
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka stole the spotlight with a stunning century, but it was India who ultimately sealed victory in style, thanks to a composed finish in the Super Over.
Nissanka’s Heroics Push the Game to the Wire
Pathum Nissanka lit up the R. Premadasa Stadium with the first individual hundred of this year’s Asia Cup. His 107-run knock was a masterclass in clean hitting, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive until the very last over. Partnering with Kusal Perera (58), Nissanka stitched together a commanding 127-run stand that shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor after they lost Kusal Mendis for a duck in the opening over.
By the time Nissanka brought up his fifty in just 25 balls, the home crowd was roaring. He later converted it into a dazzling 52-ball hundred, but his dismissal off the first ball of the final over left Sri Lanka needing a miracle. The innings ended with the hosts matching India’s 202-5, forcing the contest into a rare and thrilling Super Over.
The Drama of the Super Over
The high-octane finish was short-lived for Sri Lanka. Facing Arshdeep Singh, the hosts crumbled under pressure, managing just two runs before losing both wickets within five balls.
India’s reply was businesslike. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav calmly sealed the deal by picking up three runs from Wanindu Hasaranga’s very first delivery, giving India a straightforward win.
While the result didn’t impact the tournament standings, the intensity of the clash was a reminder of why cricket fans adore the Asia Cup.
Abhishek Sharma Continues Red-Hot Form
Earlier in the evening, India showcased why they are regarded as one of the strongest T20 sides in the world. Electing to bat, the defending champions became the first team in the tournament to breach the 200-run mark, finishing with a commanding 202-5.
Much of the credit went to Abhishek Sharma, the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, who continued his sublime form. The young opener blasted 61 runs off just 31 balls, notching his third consecutive fifty of the tournament. His explosive batting, including a 22-ball half-century, laid the perfect platform for India.
Shubman Gill fell early for four, and Suryakumar Yadav’s (12) poor run with the bat continued. But Abhishek’s aggressive approach ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. After his dismissal to Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (39) held their nerve to propel India past 200.
India’s Bowling Shaken but Not Broken
India’s bowling attack looked slightly under strength, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested and Hardik Pandya leaving the field after bowling just one over. That opened the door for Sri Lanka to mount their spirited chase.
Despite the absence of their frontline pacers, India found crucial breakthroughs when needed. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy played a vital role by dismissing Kusal Perera, breaking the dangerous second-wicket stand. But with Nissanka in full flow, India had to absorb tremendous pressure before finally clawing back in the Super Over.
What This Means for the Asia Cup Final
Friday’s clash may not have influenced qualification, but it provided both teams with valuable lessons. For Sri Lanka, Nissanka’s century was a silver lining, showcasing the depth of batting talent they can rely on for future tournaments. However, their collapse in the Super Over highlighted the mental challenges of finishing under pressure.
For India, the positives outweighed the concerns. Abhishek Sharma’s continued dominance at the top order is a major boost ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated final against arch-rivals Pakistan. Tilak Varma’s calm, unbeaten 49 further solidified India’s batting depth.
The bowling unit, though slightly exposed without Bumrah and with Pandya’s injury scare, managed to hold their composure when it mattered most. Arshdeep Singh’s ice-cool execution in the Super Over was another highlight.
Fans Gear Up for India vs Pakistan Final
With the group stage and Super Fours now complete, all eyes turn to the blockbuster Asia Cup final on Sunday: India vs Pakistan. The arch-rivals have already provided plenty of drama earlier in the tournament, and their clash in the title match promises to be one of the most-watched cricket events of the year.
India head into the final brimming with confidence after maintaining their unbeaten streak, while Pakistan will be eager to halt their rivals’ momentum and claim the silverware.
Conclusion
India’s thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka may not have altered the tournament standings, but it gave fans one of the most electrifying contests of the Asia Cup so far. Nissanka’s century was heroic, but India’s all-round depth and composure shone through once again.
As Sunday’s final approaches, Rohit Sharma’s men look well-prepared, with in-form batters and a bowling unit capable of handling pressure situations. With Pakistan waiting in the wings, cricket fans are set for a grand finale to an already unforgettable tournament.