In what proved to be the most exhilarating contest of the Asia Cup 2025, India edged Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super Over finish after both teams scored identical totals of 202. Despite being a dead rubber with no bearing on tournament progression, the final Super 4s encounter delivered cricket at its finest, featuring explosive batting performances, dramatic twists, and a nail-biting conclusion that will be remembered for years to come.
The high-scoring affair at Dubai saw India post the tournament’s highest total of 202/5, powered by another scintillating knock from Abhishek Sharma. Sri Lanka responded with equal ferocity, led by Pathum Nissanka’s maiden T20I century – a swashbuckling 107 off just 58 balls that kept the chase alive until the final delivery.
Table of Contents
India’s Innings – Another 200+ Masterclass
PowerPlay Pyrotechnics (1-6 overs): 71/1
Run Rate: 11.83 | Boundaries: 11 (9x4s, 2x6s)
After being inserted to bat, India suffered an early setback when Shubman Gill was dismissed in the second over, falling to a sharp return catch by Maheesh Theekshana. However, this proved to be merely a minor hiccup as Abhishek Sharma immediately seized control of the proceedings.
Following a tidy first over from Nuwan Thushara, Abhishek announced his intentions with a massive six in the previous over before unleashing a barrage of boundaries. The left-hander was particularly severe on Dushmantha Chameera, striking him for a clean six before backing it up with consecutive boundaries in the following over.
Abhishek’s aggressive approach yielded immediate dividends as he raced to his third consecutive fifty off just 22 balls, smacking boundaries at will in the sixth over. His explosive start ensured India accumulated 71 runs in the PowerPlay, setting the foundation for another substantial total.
Middle Overs Consolidation (7-15 overs): 79/2
Run Rate: 8.77 | Boundaries: 7 (4x4s, 3x6s)
India’s momentum faced a temporary setback immediately after the PowerPlay as skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s lean patch continued. The captain was trapped LBW by the experienced Wanindu Hasaranga, falling right after the fielding restrictions were lifted.
The well-set Abhishek Sharma became the next casualty, holing out to deep midwicket after his explosive start. At 79/3, India needed a partnership to prevent a collapse, and Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma responded magnificently.
The duo displayed excellent game awareness, combining intelligent strike rotation with timely boundary hitting to maintain the scoring rate while stabilizing the innings. Their partnership proved crucial as Hasaranga struggled with what appeared to be a side strain, allowing India to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s reduced bowling options through the middle phase.
Death Overs Drama (16-20 overs): 52/2
Run Rate: 10.40 | Boundaries: 5 (3x4s, 2x6s)
The final phase began with India losing momentum as both Samson and Hardik Pandya departed in quick succession. Sri Lankan bowlers executed their plans effectively, using wide yorkers to restrict boundary opportunities and creating pressure on the new batsmen.
However, India’s lower middle-order showed excellent composure under pressure. Despite the wickets falling, they ensured the scoring rate didn’t drop dramatically by rotating strike effectively and running hard between wickets. The highlight of the death overs came from Axar Patel, who struck a six off the final delivery to propel India past the 200-run mark.
Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 49, playing a crucial anchor role while displaying his ability to find boundaries when needed. India’s total of 202/5 represented the highest score of the tournament, setting up what promised to be a thrilling chase.
Sri Lanka’s Chase – Nissanka’s Heroic Century
PowerPlay Fireworks (1-6 overs): 72/1
Run Rate: 12.00 | Boundaries: 11 (8x4s, 3x6s)
Sri Lanka’s response was immediate and emphatic. Pathum Nissanka set the tone from the very first delivery, slashing it through point for a boundary to signal Sri Lanka’s aggressive intent. However, his opening partner Kusal Mendis couldn’t replicate this positive start, departing for a golden duck after edging to slip.
The early drama continued as India unsuccessfully burned a review following an LBW appeal against Kusal Perera in the first over itself. Undeterred by the early setback, Sri Lanka launched a spirited counterattack that matched India’s aggressive approach.
Nissanka and Perera struck boundaries at will while maintaining excellent strike rotation between big hits. Their fearless approach not only kept pace with the required rate but actually put them ahead of the curve. Remarkably, they ended the PowerPlay with 72/1 – one run more than India had managed at the same stage.
Middle Overs Mastery (7-15 overs): 85/1
Run Rate: 9.44 | Boundaries: 10 (7x4s, 3x6s)
The intensity showed no signs of diminishing once the fielding restrictions were lifted. Both batsmen continued their assault on the Indian bowling attack with remarkable consistency and skill.
Nissanka reached his half-century off just 25 balls in the 8th over, a knock that perfectly balanced aggression with timing. Not to be outdone, Kusal Perera matched this effort in the very next over, reaching his fifty off an identical number of deliveries.
The 10th over provided one of the match’s most memorable moments when Nissanka heaved a delivery towards Axar Patel at deep midwicket. Axar appeared to spill the catch while tipping it over the boundary, but the umpire signaled dead ball due to an extra man being on the field – both a substitute and the original fielder were present simultaneously.
This incident did little to slow Sri Lanka’s momentum as the carnage continued unabated. The 11th over yielded 16 runs, epitomizing the dominance the pair established over India’s bowling attack. Their partnership of 127 runs became the highest stand in Asia Cup T20 history, showcasing the quality of batting on display.
India’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 13th over when Kusal Perera was stumped by Samson off Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling. The wicket was brilliantly set up by Kuldeep Yadav’s preceding tight over, which created pressure and forced Perera into an aggressive shot.
Despite the loss of his partner, Nissanka continued his magnificent innings, marching steadily toward three figures while newcomer Charith Asalanka struggled to find his rhythm at the other end.
Death Overs Thriller (16-20 overs): 45/3
Run Rate: 9.00 | Boundaries: 4 (2x4s, 2x6s)
With the match delicately poised, the final phase proved to be a tactical battle between bat and ball. Kuldeep Yadav bowled a superb over, dismissing the struggling Asalanka while conceding just four runs to shift momentum toward India.
Kamindu Mendis, the new batsman, failed to provide the support Nissanka desperately needed and was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh in the 17th over. Despite the mounting pressure and falling partners, Nissanka continued his heroic effort.
The defining moment came when Nissanka lofted a six back down the ground to complete his maiden T20I century – a magnificent achievement under pressure that showcased his class and temperament. A boundary off the last ball of Arshdeep’s otherwise economical over left Sri Lanka needing 12 runs from the final over.
The last over began disastrously for Sri Lanka as Nissanka, their main hope, was dismissed off the very first ball, clipping one straight to short fine-leg. The equation was reduced to seven runs needed off the final two deliveries when Dasun Shanaka managed a crucial boundary off a thick outside edge.
With three runs required off the final ball, Shanaka’s mistimed hack yielded only two runs, sending the match into a Super Over and setting up a dramatic conclusion to an already extraordinary contest.
Super Over Drama
The Super Over proved to be an anticlimax after the preceding drama, with Sri Lanka crumbling under pressure when it mattered most.
Sri Lanka’s Super Over: 2/2 The collapse began immediately as Kusal Perera holed out to deep point off the very first delivery, setting a tone of panic rather than composure. Bizarre scenes followed as Dasun Shanaka appeared to be caught behind but successfully overturned the decision, only to also narrowly avoid being run out on the same delivery.
However, Shanaka’s reprieve proved short-lived as he was dismissed off the very next ball, leaving Sri Lanka with just two runs from their Super Over – a total that reflected their inability to handle the pressure of the moment.
India’s Super Over: 3/0 (0.1 overs) Chasing just three runs, India needed only one delivery to seal victory. Suryakumar Yadav, who had endured a difficult tournament with the bat, found the perfect moment to make a crucial contribution, threading the ball through the covers to secure victory with consummate ease.
Key Performances
Outstanding Individual Displays
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – 107 off 58 balls
- Maiden T20I century under pressure
- Strike rate of 184.48 with 8 fours and 6 sixes
- Highest individual score of the tournament
- Carried Sri Lanka’s chase almost single-handedly
Abhishek Sharma (India) – 61 off 22 balls
- Third consecutive fifty in the tournament
- Explosive strike rate of 277.27
- Set the foundation for India’s highest total
- Maintained aggressive intent throughout his innings
Tilak Varma (India) – 49 off 37 balls*
- Crucial unbeaten knock to guide India past 200
- Excellent strike rotation and boundary finding
- Displayed maturity under pressure in death overs
Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka) – 58 off 25 balls
- Matched Nissanka’s aggression in PowerPlay and middle overs
- Strike rate of 232.00 with 8 fours and 2 sixes
- Partnership of 127 runs – highest in Asia Cup T20 history
Bowling Highlights
Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 1/31 (4 overs)
- Crucial breakthrough dismissing Asalanka
- Excellent control in death overs
- Created pressure leading to key wickets
Varun Chakaravarthy (India) – 1/31 (4 overs)
- Smart stumping dismissal of Kusal Perera
- Consistent line and length throughout
- Key wicket at crucial juncture
Statistical Highlights
- Highest tournament total: India’s 202/5 surpassed all previous totals in Asia Cup 2025
- Record partnership: Nissanka-Perera’s 127-run stand became the highest in Asia Cup T20 history
- Maiden century: Pathum Nissanka scored his first T20I hundred in pressure situation
- Super Over finish: First Super Over in Asia Cup 2025, adding to tournament drama
- Consistent performer: Abhishek Sharma registered third consecutive fifty
- Tournament first: Match marked the first tie in Asia Cup 2025
Brief Scores
India: 202/5 (20 overs)
Abhishek Sharma 61, Tilak Varma 49; Charith Asalanka 1-18*
Sri Lanka: 202/5 (20 overs)
Pathum Nissanka 107, Kusal Perera 58; Kuldeep Yadav 1-31, Varun Chakaravarthy 1-31
Result: India won the Super Over
This thrilling encounter will be remembered as a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where individual brilliance, tactical acumen, and mental fortitude combine to create unforgettable sporting theater. While India emerged victorious, both teams provided cricket fans with a spectacle that epitomized the excitement and drama that make the Asia Cup one of cricket’s premier tournaments.
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FAQs
What was special about Pathum Nissanka’s innings?
Nissanka scored his maiden T20I century (107 off 58 balls) with a strike rate of 184.48, nearly single-handedly carrying Sri Lanka’s chase in a pressure situation.
How did the Super Over decide the match?
Sri Lanka managed only 2 runs losing 2 wickets, while India chased down the 3-run target in just one ball through Suryakumar Yadav.
What records were set in this match?
India’s 202/5 was the tournament’s highest total, while the Nissanka-Perera partnership (127 runs) became the highest in Asia Cup T20 history.
Why was this called a “dead rubber”?
Both teams’ tournament positions were already decided, making the result inconsequential for progression despite the thrilling contest.
How did India reach 202 runs?
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 61 off 22 balls set the foundation, followed by crucial partnerships and smart strike rotation, with Axar Patel’s final-ball six taking them past 200.
