In the grand scheme of the Asia Cup 2025, the Super Four clash between India and Sri Lanka was a dead rubber. But on the floodlit stage of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, the two teams produced a spectacle for the ages—a breathtaking tie that culminated in a Super Over, reminding everyone that in cricket, there’s no such thing as a match without stakes.
Pathum Nissanka’s magnificent century was a masterclass in chasing, an innings worthy of winning any game. Yet, it was the ice-cool temperament of Arshdeep Singh that ultimately sealed the victory for the unbeaten Men in Blue, ensuring their dominant run towards the final continues.
Nissanka’s Masterful Ton Goes in Vain
Chasing a formidable 203, Sri Lanka was powered by an innings of pure genius from opener Pathum Nissanka. Alongside Kusal Perera, he forged a spectacular 127-run partnership that seemed to take the game away from India. The duo dismantled the Indian attack, with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana facing the early onslaught. Sri Lanka blazed to 72 for one in the PowerPlay, with Nissanka reaching a blistering 25-ball fifty.
Perera was equally destructive, attacking the spinners with disdain to bring up his own half-century in just 25 balls. Even the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav was left searching for answers. The chase looked to be a formality until Varun Chakaravarthy provided the breakthrough in the 13th over, stumping Perera. A quick succession of wickets followed, but Nissanka stood tall, reaching his century with a towering six off Arshdeep. He had the finish line in sight.
The Final Over: A Rollercoaster to a Tie
With 12 runs needed from the final over, the script seemed written for a Nissanka special. Instead, drama ensued. He miscued the first delivery from Harshit Rana and was caught, sending a shockwave through the Sri Lankan camp. The pressure mounted, but captain Dasun Shanaka smashed the penultimate ball for a boundary, leaving three required off the final delivery.
Shanaka hammered the ball to long-on and scrambled back for two. The scores were level. A tie. The contest, which had no bearing on the final, had suddenly become the most thrilling match of the tournament.
The Super Over: Arshdeep’s Nerves of Steel
Entrusted with the ball for the one-over shootout, Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass in death bowling. In an astonishing display of precision and control, the left-arm seamer conceded a mere two runs while claiming both Sri Lankan wickets. His performance left India with a trivial target of three. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, calm as ever, walked out and dispatched the first ball for a boundary, sealing a memorable victory.
Setting the Stage: India’s Young Guns Fire
Earlier, India’s innings was built on the back of its dynamic young batting talent. Opener Abhishek Sharma continued his red-hot form, smashing a scintillating 61 from just 31 balls. His third consecutive half-century, brought up in only 22 balls, laid a perfect foundation.
After his dismissal, Tilak Varma (49* off 34) and Sanju Samson (39 off 23) took charge. Their crucial 66-run partnership provided the late-innings acceleration, pushing India past the 200-run mark and setting a total that would ultimately prove to be just enough to force a classic contest
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