Asia Cup 2025: “It felt like a final,” says skipper Suryakumar Yadav after India’s thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India pulled off a thrilling Super Over victory against Sri Lanka in their final Super Four match of the Asia Cup, staying unbeaten and booking a spot in the final against Pakistan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed his team’s fighting spirit, spotlighting key middle-order efforts from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, plus Arshdeep Singh’s cool head in the decisive Super Over that held Sri Lanka to just two runs.
What started as a seemingly low-stakes game turned into the tournament’s most exciting clash. Both teams smashed over 200 runs, with Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka firing a stunning century. India’s bowlers took a beating, but the middle-order rescues and an unbeaten run into the final gave them plenty to celebrate.
In the post-match chat, Suryakumar called it a final-like battle. “The boys showed real character after that shaky first half in our second innings,” he said. “I told them to keep the energy high and see where it takes us. Starting strong with the bat was key, and seeing Sanju and Tilak step up like that was awesome. Sanju doesn’t usually open, but he owned the responsibility. Tilak looked super confident too.”
He also praised Arshdeep, who’s been a rock for India over the last few years. “I just told him to stick to his plans and execute,” Suryakumar added. “He’s handled these pressure spots so many times for India and his IPL team. His confidence shines through. No one else I’d pick for that Super Over.”
The heat took a toll, with a few players battling cramps, but Suryakumar noted a recovery day on Saturday before they gear up for the final just like they did here.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka tipped his hat to Nissanka’s brilliant knock, even as his team exited the Super Four stage winless after entering unbeaten. “It was a fantastic game—we stayed in it until India’s spinners like Varun and Kuldeep tightened those middle overs,” he said. “Nissanka’s batting was unreal; he attacked their top bowlers with flair. We’ve got tons of positives from the Asia Cup. We’ve played solid cricket, just couldn’t close out the last two games. As captain, I’m taking a lot away from this.”
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. India lost early wickets—vice-captain Shubman Gill for 4 and Suryakumar for 12—but Abhishek Sharma kept his hot streak alive with 61 off 31 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. That’s his third straight fifty in the T20I Asia Cup, pushing him past 300 runs as the tournament’s top scorer.
Tilak Varma (49 not out off 34, with four fours and a six) and Sanju Samson (39 off 23, featuring a four and three sixes) then built a crucial 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping India reach 202/5 in 20 overs. Maheesh Theekshana (1/36) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/37) led Sri Lanka’s bowling.
Chasing the tournament’s first 200-plus total, Sri Lanka stumbled early when Hardik Pandya dismissed Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. But Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera (58 off 32, with eight fours and two sixes) hit back hard. Nissanka smashed an unbeaten 107 off 58 balls—seven fours and six sixes—for his century. Dasun Shanaka added 22 off 11 (two fours and a six). India fought back late, but the scores tied, forcing a Super Over. Kuldeep Yadav took 1/31 as India’s best bowler.
In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh struck twice to limit Sri Lanka to two runs. India knocked off the target on the first ball for a dramatic win. Nissanka earned Player of the Match honors for his explosive innings.
This edge-of-your-seat Asia Cup thriller showcased standout talent on both sides, but India held firm in the clutch moments to advance unbeaten. Sri Lanka heads home with heads high despite the Super Four struggles.
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