In a match that turned out to be far more thrilling than its ‘inconsequential’ tag suggested, India emerged victorious over Sri Lanka in a dramatic Super Over during the Asia Cup. Despite a magnificent maiden T20I century (107 off 58 balls, featuring 7 fours and 6 sixes) from Pathum Nissanka, it was India who held their nerve to extend their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
The initial innings saw India post an imposing total of 202 for 5, the highest of the tournament at that point, thanks to dynamic batting performances. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a rapid 61 off just 31 balls, marking his third consecutive half-century. Sanju Samson, finding his form at number 5, contributed a fluent 39 from 22 deliveries, while Tilak Varma provided crucial stability, remaining unbeaten on 49 off 34 balls.
Sri Lanka’s chase was nothing short of spectacular, primarily fueled by Nissanka’s aggressive batting. He attacked from the very first ball, quickly reaching his century off only 52 deliveries. Though opening partner Kusal Mendis fell early for a duck to Hardik Pandya, Nissanka and Kusal Perera launched a brilliant counterattack, adding 127 runs for the second wicket. Perera was also impressive with 58 off 32 balls before Varun Chakravarthy broke the partnership. Despite smaller contributions from Charith Asalanka (5) and Kamindu Mendis (3), and a quickfire 22 not out from skipper Dasun Shanaka, Nissanka’s heroic knock kept Sri Lanka in the hunt until the very end. His innings concluded at 107 in the final over, courtesy of Harshit Rana.
The match culminated in high drama. With Sri Lanka needing three runs off the final ball, Shanaka’s heave resulted in a misfield and a fumble, creating an opportunity for a third run. However, Shanaka and Janith Liyanage opted for two, pushing the contest into a nail-biting Super Over.
The Super Over itself was not without its moments of tension. On the fourth ball, Shanaka missed a wild shot. An alert Sanju Samson quickly hit the stumps with an under-arm flick, but the umpire’s prior ‘caught behind’ signal, which was reviewed and found to be incorrect, meant the ball was declared dead, saving Shanaka from a run-out. However, India swiftly closed out the game, with Arshdeep Singh dismissing Shanaka on the very next delivery to seal the victory.
Earlier in India’s innings, Shubman Gill (4) departed cheaply, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (12) continued his lean patch. But Samson’s entry invigorated the innings, as he struck powerful sixes, including a towering hit off Hasaranga. His 66-run partnership with Tilak Varma set the foundation for Axar Patel to add a final-over six, pushing India past the 200-run mark.
India will now prepare to face Pakistan in the upcoming summit clash on Sunday.