In a truly remarkable moment during the Asia Cup Super Fours clash between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai, spinner Maheesh Theekshana produced an unbelievable caught-and-bowled dismissal to send Indian opener Shubman Gill back to the pavilion. Even though Sri Lanka was already out of contention for the final, this dazzling piece of individual brilliance underscored their fierce determination. India, who had already secured their spot in the final, made a couple of changes to their lineup and continued to grapple with persistent fielding issues.
The Asia Cup Super Fours fixture between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai saw an early moment of brilliance that left fans and players alike stunned. As India’s Shubman Gill walked to the crease, Sri Lanka’s spinner Maheesh Theekshana produced a spectacular caught-and-bowled dismissal.
Theekshana delivered a fullish ball that wasn’t quite in the driving zone. Gill went for a confident drive and made solid contact, but the ball headed toward Theekshana, who reacted instantly. The spinner dived across and clutched the ball with both hands, leaving Gill frozen in disbelief before he began his walk back. The dismissal, which meant Gill could amass only four runs off three balls, showcased exceptional reflexes and timing from the Sri Lankan bowler.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka had won the toss and opted to field first against India. Speaking at the toss, Asalanka said, “We are going to bowl first. We know that we can’t qualify for the final, but it is still an important game for us. It is a good pitch, and we want to restrict them to 170-175. They have been doing really well, especially our openers. We have one change – Janith Liyanage comes in for Chamika Karunaratne.”
India, having already secured a place in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan on Sunday, looked to maintain their momentum. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav remarked, “Just continue doing what we have been doing. We were actually looking to bat first. Good atmosphere, good game, and we are looking forward to it. It is part of the game (dropped catches). We have two changes – Bumrah and Dube are out, Arshdeep and Harshit come in.”
While India’s batting has been led by Abhishek Sharma and their bowling strengthened by Kuldeep Yadav, fielding lapses, with 12 dropped catches so far, remain a significant concern. Sri Lanka, despite being unbeaten in the group stage but now eliminated from the Super Fours, was eager to end their campaign on a positive note, making moments like Theekshana’s blinder even more significant.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.