Dubai, September 26, 2025 – In one of the most dramatic encounters of the Asia Cup 2025, India defeated Sri Lanka in a Super Over after both teams finished on 202 runs each in their regular 20 overs. The match, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, will be remembered for Pathum Nissanka’s majestic century and Arshdeep Singh’s ice-cool bowling under pressure.
With this victory, India booked their spot in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, staying undefeated in the tournament so far.
Match Summary
India: 202/5 (20 overs)
Abhishek Sharma – 61 (31)
Tilak Varma – 49* (34)
Suryakumar Yadav – 12 (13)
Best bowler (SL): Maheesh Theekshana – 1/36
Sri Lanka: 202/5 (20 overs)
Pathum Nissanka – 107 (58)
Kusal Perera – 58 (32)
Best bowlers (India): Kuldeep Yadav – 1/31, Varun Chakravarthy – 1/31
Result: Match tied. India won in Super Over.
How the Match Unfolded
Abhishek Sharma Sets the Tone
India, batting first, got off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 61 off just 31 balls. He smashed boundaries at will, reaching his half-century in just 22 deliveries. Despite losing Shubman Gill early, Abhishek stitched a solid partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, helping India post 71/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Later in the innings, Tilak Varma (49 not out) and Sanju Samson (33 off 23) built a crucial 66-run stand to push India past the 200-run mark.
Nissanka’s Magnificent Century
Sri Lanka’s chase was headlined by Pathum Nissanka, who played one of the finest T20I innings in recent memory. He scored 107 runs off 58 balls, becoming Sri Lanka’s fourth men’s T20I centurion and setting a new record for their highest individual T20I score.
Nissanka shared a 127-run partnership with Kusal Perera (58 off 32), which almost took the game away from India. However, once the pair was dismissed, Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order failed to carry them across the finishing line.
Drama in the Super Over
With scores tied at 202, the match headed into a nail-biting Super Over.
Sri Lanka’s Decisions Backfire
Surprisingly, Sri Lanka did not send Nissanka to open in the Super Over. Instead, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, and Kamindu Mendis walked out.Perera was caught at deep point on the very first ball.
Mendis struggled to connect against Arshdeep Singh’s perfect wide yorkers.
Shanaka survived a bizarre dismissal drama but eventually top-edged to third man.
Sri Lanka managed only 2 runs in their Super Over.
India’s Response
India needed just 3 runs, and Suryakumar Yadav stylishly smashed the first ball from Wanindu Hasaranga through cover for a boundary, sealing India’s place in the final.
Key Highlights of the Match
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start: 61 off 31 balls, including three sixes and seven fours.
Tilak Varma’s calm finishing role: unbeaten 49 ensured India crossed 200.
Pathum Nissanka’s century: 107 off 58 balls, featuring powerful shots across the ground.
Arshdeep Singh’s masterclass in death bowling: bowled a brilliant Super Over under immense pressure.
Sri Lanka’s tactical misstep: leaving Nissanka out of the Super Over proved costly.
What This Means for the Asia Cup 2025
India march into the final undefeated, showcasing depth and adaptability even while resting key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube.
Sri Lanka exit the tournament with pride, thanks to Nissanka’s heroics, but their decision-making in the Super Over raised questions.
The India vs Pakistan final promises to be a blockbuster, with both teams showing world-class performances throughout the tournament.
Expert Reactions
Sunil Gavaskar (Former India Captain): “Abhishek Sharma is turning into a real match-winner. The way he set the tone in the powerplay was fantastic.”
Kumar Sangakkara (Former Sri Lanka Captain): “Nissanka’s innings was one of the best we’ve seen from a Sri Lankan batter in T20 cricket. It’s unfortunate he didn’t face the Super Over.”
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka clash in Dubai had everything – explosive batting, thrilling partnerships, and a dramatic Super Over. While Nissanka’s century lit up the night, it was Arshdeep Singh’s composure and India’s smart finishing that sealed the victory.
Fans can now look forward to a high-voltage India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final, where the two arch-rivals will battle for continental supremacy.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, ICC, Asia Cup 2025 Official Records
For Health & Fitness Products, Click => http://tinyurl.com/5n872ptd