NEW DELHI: The high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash between India and Sri Lanka in Dubai truly had it all – explosive runs, gripping drama, a nail-biting Super Over finish, and even some utterly hilarious moments from the commentary box.
The most lighthearted incident of the evening occurred even before the first ball was bowled, when the cameraman decided to play a little prank on everyone watching.
As the Indian openers prepared to stride out for the chase, most fans and commentators alike were anticipating the familiar sight of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill walking to the crease.
However, the cameraman playfully focused his lens on Tilak Varma, who was seen padded up and standing right beside Gill. This unexpected visual quickly sent the commentary box into fits of laughter.
“Verma ji dikha rahe hain, Sharma ji nahi hain. Dhoond rahe Sharma ji… dikha rahe Varma ji,” joked one commentator, capturing the mood perfectly. Another commentator added with amusement, “Ye camera waala humari bhavnaon ke saath khel raha hai. Kaun hai ye camera waala? Pata kariye!” (This cameraman is playing with our emotions. Who is this cameraman? Find out!)
Eventually, to no one’s surprise, it was indeed Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill who finally walked out to open the innings. And what followed was nothing short of a thriller that went right down to the very last ball.
Put into bat first, India posted a formidable total of 202/5. This impressive score was largely fueled by Abhishek Sharma’s fluent knock of 61 and Tilak Varma’s impactful unbeaten 49. Sanju Samson and Axar Patel also contributed crucial runs later in the innings, ensuring India comfortably crossed the 200-run mark.
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, responded with incredible resilience and skill. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera launched a blistering attack on the Indian bowlers, forging a remarkable 127-run partnership and racing to 72 runs within the powerplay itself.
Despite key breakthroughs at various intervals by India’s bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh, Sri Lanka steadfastly kept their chase alive. Nissanka’s magnificent maiden T20I century brought the equation down to a tense 23 runs needed off just 12 balls, and then a thrilling 12 runs required from the final over.
Harshit Rana managed to dismiss Nissanka on the very first ball of the 20th over. However, Sri Lanka maintained their composure to miraculously tie the game at 202/5, forcing a dramatic Super Over.
In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh delivered a masterclass under immense pressure, taking two crucial wickets and brilliantly restricting Sri Lanka to a mere two runs. Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill then comfortably completed the chase in just one ball, sealing a thrilling victory for India.
Despite being a dead rubber in terms of qualification, this contest showcased high-quality cricket and provided incredible entertainment, with India ultimately marching into the final against Pakistan as the overwhelming favorites.