India pulled off a nail-biting Super Over win against Sri Lanka in their final Super Four match of the Asia Cup, keeping their unbeaten streak alive and booking a spot in the final. But the victory came with a scare: all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opener Abhishek Sharma both left the field during Sri Lanka’s innings due to cramps.
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the issue after the game. “Both of them struggled with cramps,” he said in the post-match press conference. “Hardik, we’ll assess him tonight and tomorrow morning and make a call. But Abhishek is fine.” Fans watched anxiously as Pandya couldn’t bowl past the first over, highlighting a potential concern ahead of the final.
The match in Dubai turned into a high-scoring thriller. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. India lost vice-captain Shubman Gill early for just 4 runs, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav managed only 12. But Abhishek Sharma kept his hot streak going, smashing 61 off 31 balls with eight fours and two sixes—his third straight fifty in the T20I Asia Cup, pushing him past 300 runs for the tournament.
In the middle order, Tilak Varma (49 not out off 34 balls, including four boundaries and a six) and Sanju Samson (39 off 23, with a four and three sixes) built a crucial 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket. That effort helped India post 202 for 5 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana (1/36) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/37) led their bowling attack.
Chasing the first 200-plus total of the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka started strong. Hardik Pandya struck early, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. But Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera fired back, with Perera blasting 58 off 32 balls (eight fours, two sixes). Nissanka stole the show, notching a stunning 107 off 58 balls—seven fours and six sixes—for his century. Dasun Shanaka added a quick 22 off 11 (two fours, one six).
India fought back late, thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s 1 for 31, but the scores stayed tied, forcing a Super Over. There, Arshdeep Singh shone, taking two wickets as Sri Lanka managed just 2 runs. Washington Sundar then hit the winning run off the first ball for India.
Nissanka earned Player of the Match honors for his explosive knock. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka exits the Super Four stage winless after entering unbeaten. India, meanwhile, heads to the Asia Cup final with momentum, though they’ll monitor Pandya’s fitness closely. The game showcased top T20 cricket from both sides, with India holding firm in the pressure moments.
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