On September 26, cricket fans witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, as India defeated Sri Lanka in a nail-biting Super Over at Dubai International Stadium.
Despite Pathum Nissanka’s heroic century and Kusal Perera’s solid knock, Sri Lanka failed to cross the line as India held their nerves in the Super Over. This match, though a “dead rubber” in terms of qualification, turned into a high-voltage clash showcasing grit, batting brilliance, and nerve-wracking pressure moments.
In this article, you will find:
-
Full match summary with verified scores
-
Ball-by-ball analysis of the Super Over
-
Complete batting & bowling performances
-
Points table & impact on Asia Cup Super 4 stage
-
Key highlights, records broken, FAQs, and expert analysis
This detailed breakdown ensures you don’t miss a single fact from this unforgettable encounter.
📊 Match Summary at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 |
| Date | 26 September [cy] |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE |
| Toss | Sri Lanka won, chose to bowl first |
| India’s Score | 202/5 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka’s Score | 202/5 (20 overs) |
| Result | Match tied, India won in Super Over |
| Super Over (SL) | 2/2 in 5 balls |
| Super Over (IND) | 3/0 in 1 ball |
🇮🇳 India’s Innings — Explosive Batting Display
India, asked to bat first, got off to a flying start thanks to Abhishek Sharma, who played an electric knock of 61 runs off just 31 balls, smashing 8 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive intent gave India early momentum.
-
Sanju Samson anchored the innings with a calm 39 (27), rotating strike effectively.
-
Tilak Varma was India’s finisher, smashing an unbeaten 49 off 30 deliveries*. His late fireworks ensured India crossed the 200-run mark.
-
Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with quick runs to maintain the tempo.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with line and length. Only Wanindu Hasaranga managed to contain India to some extent with his variations. By the end of 20 overs, India posted a strong 202/5, setting up a challenging chase.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Response — Nissanka’s Masterclass
Chasing 203 was never going to be easy, but Pathum Nissanka had other plans. He single-handedly carried the Sri Lankan innings with a magnificent 107 (58 balls), filled with elegant strokes and fearless hitting.
Key partnerships:
-
Kusal Perera supported brilliantly with 58 runs, adding 127 runs for the 2nd wicket with Nissanka.
-
However, early wickets like Kusal Mendis (duck) put pressure on the chase.
The middle order faltered once Nissanka departed in the 18th over. Despite late efforts from Dasun Shanaka and Asalanka, Sri Lanka could only tie the match at 202/5, pushing the contest into a Super Over.
⚡ Super Over Drama — Ball by Ball
Sri Lanka batted first in the Super Over:
-
Arshdeep Singh was handed the ball by India.
-
Kusal Perera was dismissed on the very first legal delivery.
-
Kamindu Mendis managed just a single.
-
A dot ball and a wide added to the drama.
-
Sri Lanka lost another wicket, finishing at 2/2 in 5 balls.
India’s chase was straightforward:
-
Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill walked out to bat.
-
On the first ball itself, they ran three runs and sealed victory.
India claimed the match in emphatic style, keeping nerves under control.
⭐ Key Performers
-
Abhishek Sharma (IND): 61 (31), Player of the Match for his blistering start.
-
Tilak Varma (IND): 49* (30), steady finisher.
-
Pathum Nissanka (SL): 107 (58), record-breaking century, but in vain.
-
Kusal Perera (SL): 58 (38), crucial support knock.
-
Arshdeep Singh (IND): Super Over hero, conceding just 2 runs.
📌 Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Points Table (After the Match)
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +NRR |
| Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | +NRR |
| Bangladesh | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | –NRR |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | –NRR |
👉 India remained unbeaten in Super 4s and had already secured a place in the Asia Cup 2025 Final against Pakistan.
🔥 Records & Highlights from the Match
-
Pathum Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan to score a T20I century against India.
-
Nissanka also broke two of Virat Kohli’s Asia Cup records, including fastest to 500 runs in the tournament’s T20I history.
-
India’s 202/5 was their second 200+ score in Asia Cup 2025, showcasing batting depth.
-
First-ever Super Over in Asia Cup history involving India.
🎯 Expert Analysis
Former cricketers praised Nissanka’s knock as one of the finest in T20 history, but also criticized Sri Lanka’s inability to close games under pressure.
-
Amit Mishra, ex-India leg-spinner, said: “Sri Lanka had their chances, but India’s composure in crunch moments proved the difference.”
-
Morne Morkel (India’s bowling coach) lauded Arshdeep Singh’s bravery in the Super Over.
The match also highlighted India’s new generation of batters (Abhishek, Tilak) stepping up in high-pressure games.
