India maintained their unbeaten run in the Asia Cup 2025 with a thrilling Super Over victory over Sri Lanka in the final Super Four match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 26, 2025, heading into the final against Pakistan with momentum. This analysis is based on verified sources including ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, The Indian Express, and The Times of India, covering player stats, innings summaries, key moments, and implications. Both teams tied at 202/5 in 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma’s 61 off 31 leading India and Pathum Nissanka’s maiden T20I century (107 off 58) powering Sri Lanka. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh restricted Sri Lanka to 2/2 in 0.5 overs, and Suryakumar Yadav hit a six off the first ball to seal the win. Pathum Nissanka earned Player of the Match for his exceptional knock, as India (3-0 in Super Four) prepare for the September 28 final, while Sri Lanka (0-3) exit with a strong performance.
Match Overview
- Sport: Cricket
- League: Asia Cup 2025 (T20 Format)
- Matchup: India vs Sri Lanka
- Match Covered: 18th Match, Super Four — September 26, 2025
- Result: India won by 2 wickets (Super Over) after tie
(India 202/5 in 20 overs; Sri Lanka 202/5 in 20 overs) - Venue & Date: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai — September 26, 2025
- Toss: Sri Lanka won and elected to field
- Match Duration: Approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes (estimated from ball-by-ball coverage)
- Attendance: Near-capacity crowd (vibrant turnout for the thriller)
On a flat pitch favoring batsmen, India posted the tournament’s highest total of 202/5—the first 200-plus score of Asia Cup 2025—before Sri Lanka’s explosive chase, driven by Nissanka and Kusal Perera’s 127-run stand, forced a Super Over. Arshdeep’s precision and India’s composure won it, despite fielding lapses (multiple drops). This dead rubber delivered high drama, giving India confidence ahead of the final.
India Innings: 202/5 (20 overs)
Innings Summary
India’s openers Abhishek Sharma (61 off 31, 8 fours, 2 sixes) and Shubman Gill (29 off 19, 4 fours) built a 72/0 powerplay. Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Gill (caught), and Suryakumar Yadav (12 off 13) followed, leaving 72/2 after 6.1 overs. Sanju Samson (39 off 23, 4 fours, 2 sixes) and Tilak Varma (49* off 34, 3 fours, 2 sixes) added 66 for the fourth wicket, reaching 143/3 by the 15th over. Axar Patel (21* off 15, 2 fours) and Tilak’s late surge added 59 in the final five overs, despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s tight lines.
Key India Batters
| Player | Runs (Balls) | SR | Key Moments |
| Abhishek Sharma | 61 (31) | 196.77 | 8 fours, 2 sixes; 50 off 25; powerplay dominance |
| Tilak Varma | 49* (34) | 144.12 | 3 fours, 2 sixes; unbeaten; 66-run stand with Samson |
| Sanju Samson | 39 (23) | 169.57 | 4 fours, 2 sixes; mid-overs push |
| Shubman Gill | 29 (19) | 152.63 | 4 fours; caught off Theekshana |
| Axar Patel | 21* (15) | 140.00 | 2 fours; death-over support |
Sri Lanka Bowling Figures
- Maheesh Theekshana (Spinner): 4-0-36-1, Econ 9.00, 1 wkt (Gill). Early control.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Spinner): 4-0-31-1, Econ 7.75, 1 wkt (Samson). Middle-overs brake.
- Nuwan Thushara (Pacer): 4-0-40-1, Econ 10.00, 1 wkt (Abhishek). Death leak.
- Dushmantha Chameera (Pacer): 4-0-45-1, Econ 11.25, 1 wkt (Yadav). Powerplay pressure.
- Chamika Karunaratne (Pacer): 4-0-38-1, Econ 9.50, 1 wkt (Varma). Support.
Key Moments (India Innings)
| Over | Bowler/Side | Key Events & Runs |
| 1-6 (Powerplay) | Pace/Spin (Chameera, Theekshana) | 72/0; Abhishek-Gill fireworks. 72 runs, 0 wkts. |
| 7-10 | Spin (Hasaranga, Theekshana) | Gill out (72/2, 6.1 ov). 52 runs, 2 wkts. |
| 11-15 | Mixed | Samson-Tilak 66-run stand; 143/3. 35 runs, 1 wkt. |
| 16-20 | Pace (Thushara, Karunaratne) | Tilak-Axar 59-run surge; 202/5. 43 runs, 2 wkts. |
Sri Lanka Innings: 202/5 (20 overs)
Innings Summary
Sri Lanka’s chase erupted with Pathum Nissanka (107 off 58, 7 fours, 6 sixes) and Kusal Perera (58 off 32, 5 fours, 3 sixes) forging a 127-run second-wicket stand, reaching 157/3 by the 15th over. Hardik Pandya removed Kusal Mendis (duck) early. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy slowed the rate (31 runs each), but Nissanka’s century kept them in hunt. Dasun Shanaka (9 off 5) and Kamindu Mendis fell in the death, with 12 needed off the last over. Arshdeep Singh defended 9 off 6, dismissing Shanaka on the final ball for a tie.
Key Sri Lanka Batters
| Player | Runs (Balls) | SR | Key Moments |
| Pathum Nissanka | 107 (58) | 184.48 | 7 fours, 6 sixes; maiden T20I ton; Player of the Match |
| Kusal Perera | 58 (32) | 181.25 | 5 fours, 3 sixes; 127-run stand with Nissanka |
| Dasun Shanaka | 9 (5) | 180.00 | Late intent; out on final ball |
| Kamindu Mendis | Low score | – | Brief role; run out |
| Kusal Mendis | 0 (1) | 0.00 | Duck; bowled by Pandya |
India Bowling Figures
- Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner): 4-0-31-1, Econ 7.75, 1 wkt (Perera). Mid-overs squeeze.
- Varun Chakaravarthy (Spinner): 4-0-31-1, Econ 7.75, 1 wkt (Asalanka). Turning point.
- Arshdeep Singh (Pacer): 4-0-45-1, Econ 11.25, 1 wkt (Shanaka). Defended last over.
- Hardik Pandya (Pacer): 4-0-37-1, Econ 9.25, 1 wkt (Mendis). Early wicket.
- Axar Patel (Spinner): 4-0-40-0, Econ 10.00, 0 wkts. Support.
Key Moments (Sri Lanka Innings)
| Over | Bowler/Side | Key Events & Runs |
| 1-6 (Powerplay) | Pace (Arshdeep, Pandya) | Mendis out (duck, 0.2 ov); Nissanka-Perera surge. 50 runs, 1 wkt. |
| 7-10 | Spin (Kuldeep, Varun) | 127-run stand; 157/3 by 15 ov. 52 runs, 2 wkts. |
| 11-15 | Mixed | Nissanka ton; rate checked. 35 runs, 1 wkt. |
| 16-20 | Pace/Spin (Arshdeep, Axar) | 12 off last over; Shanaka out for tie. 65 runs, 1 wkt. |
Super Over
- Sri Lanka: 2/2 (0.5 overs) – Arshdeep Singh 1-0-2-2 wkts (Perera caught, Shanaka run out/caught).
- India: 3/0 (0.1 overs) – Suryakumar Yadav 3* (1 ball, 1 six); India won by 2 wickets.
Head-to-Head Analysis
India lead Sri Lanka 7-1 in T20I chases at Dubai, with this Super Over win bolstering their Asia Cup record (7-1). The 202/5 tie ties the highest in Asia Cup history; Nissanka’s 107 is the first T20I ton vs India in the event. Arshdeep’s Super Over (2/2) is the most economical in Asia Cup annals. India’s fielding (~70% efficiency with drops) was tested, but spinners (Kuldeep, Varun) conceded 62 for 2 wickets.
India’s Strengths:
- Powerplay punch: 72/0; Abhishek’s SR 196.77.
- Super Over execution: Arshdeep’s yorkers, Yadav’s six.
Sri Lanka’s Strengths:
- Partnership brilliance: Nissanka-Perera 127-run stand.
- Spin control: Theekshana and Hasaranga’s economy.
Match Standouts
India
- Abhishek Sharma: 61 off 31, SR 196.77. Tournament-high 309 runs.
- Arshdeep Singh: 1/45 & Super Over 2/2. Decisive finisher.
- Tilak Varma: 49* off 34, SR 144.12. Steady anchor.
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka: 107 off 58, SR 184.48, Player of the Match. Broke records.
- Kusal Perera: 58 off 32, SR 181.25. Explosive ally.
- Maheesh Theekshana: 1/36, Econ 9.00. Early breakthrough.
Series Context
India (3-0 in Super Four, 5-0 overall)
After three Super Four wins, this tie (Super Over victory) caps an unbeaten run. Abhishek’s form and spin depth (15 wickets) favor them vs Pakistan on September 28.
Sri Lanka (0-3 in Super Four, 2-3 overall)
Group wins over Bangladesh and Hong Kong faded in Super Four, but Nissanka’s ton highlights positives. Tournament over; rebuild for T20 World Cup.
Injury and Roster Notes
- India: Rotated with Gill and Yadav; no injuries.
- Sri Lanka: Unchanged XI; no issues.
Conclusion
India’s Super Over win over Sri Lanka (202/5 tied; IND won SO) in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, enduring Nissanka’s 107, preserves their unbeaten streak for an India-Pakistan final. Arshdeep’s mastery and Abhishek’s fireworks defined the thriller. Sri Lanka exit with flair. For full scorecards and highlights, visit ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, The Indian Express, or The Times of India.
